

":»p*c 




Class. 
Book. 



(I Tie 



\l^ 



'01 



Northern Men 





IW 




THIS PAMPHLET CO:KTAINS''Tli]g TEOOEEmXGS 

Held at Charlotte, Norili Carolma, Jaajuary 15tkv S8I9. , . 

1.1. ulso/X/yMrs fioiii f>ersons giving individual exju-essiojis and fjicts 
lalive to Products ])e"r acre, Social Life in the South and other 
ihctg.Eegardiug liocalities Avhich are Important to those seek- 
Knowledge of the South and its People. These 
Letters should be read by all, and are of equal 
im])ortance with the Proceedings. 



V 

ihct 

M1< 



MED FOR THE CONVENTION BY N. DUMONT, OF CHARLOTTE, N. C. 



iblis.ed by order of the Convention of Northern Settlers in the ^outh 
by lesolution passed in /Convention, January 15th, 1879, orderin<r . 
1 1(000 copies to be printed and distributed"* by the President of '^ 
' the Convention, in the Northern and Western States. 



I 



CHAELOTTE, N. C: 

SiRYER Steajt Job Print, Corner Trade and College Streets, 

1879. 



72/v5 



Twenty Thousand copies of this document are ordered 
by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina. 
I Any person desiring further information concerning t^/ 
State will please address ' 

N. DUMONT, , 
Charlotte, N. 



Oi 



fv 



WHAT NORTHERN MEN 

SAY OF THE SOUTH 



CHARLOTTE, N. C 

If you run a line North and South, through the middle of a map of 
!N'orth Carolina, this city lies a short distance west of that line, and 
about ten miles north of the southern boundary of the State. It is a 
remarkably healthful and fertile country ; is situated on high lands, 
between the valleys of the Catawba and the Yadkin rivers ; it is a short 
distance from the foot of the Blue Eidge range of mountain.s, and there 
is no disease incident to the climate. It supplies a large territory and 
has a larger wholesale trade than any other point in the whole State. 

Charlotte has 10,000 inhabitants and a debt of S5,000 ; taxes have 
been reduced more than fifty per cent, since 1876, and the valuation of 
property was also reduced, the tax being fifty cents per one hundred 
dollars on a less than half valuation. The principal streets are McAd- 
amized and paid for. The expenses are light and the management 
economical. The city is well lighted with gas. The government of the 
city is run on a cash system and no bonds are issued. None <jf the 
bankrupting systems obtaining in other Southern and most Northern 
cities find any refuge here. The officers are the Mayor, Clerk and 
Treasui'er, Marshal and Tax Collector. The city is divided into four 
wards, each Avard having three aldermen; there is no other board. 
There are tAvo steam fire engines, one hand engine, thrte hose carriages,, 
and an improved hook and ladder truck — all well equipped, in tine order 
and admirably managed. 

The advanced schools are the Carolina Military Institute; a liiost im- 
posing structure, healthfully situated and overlooking the city on the 
south side; President, Col. J. P. Thomas, over 120' students from 
all parts of the South. The Female Institute, a fine Brick btiilding, Ital- 
ian style sittiated in a perfect grov"© of rare trees and plants, twcrlook- 
ing the city, on the north side of the city, Eev. AV. E.. Atkinson princi- 
pal, over 100 students from all parts of the South.. On the westerly 
side of the city stands Biddlc Institute, for the education, under the- 



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auspices o{' llic Presbyterian Cliureh, of colored men for the ministry. 
This college is under the direction of Rev. S. Mattoon, D. D., for many 
years missionarj- to Siam. 

Besides these there are several minor schools and academies, and be- 
fore long a s/syi]^/of"i^-|4e4'^c|io6l^^)U'"be est^tbl^sh^^. 
1^, The churches are four Presbyterian, four Methodist, three Baptist, 
one Lutheran, one Episcopalian and one Roman Catholic ; the greater 
portion are fine structures .and have Lai^'e congregations. Also a Young 
Men^s Christi|n*Af^s6cihtion,-and two'^'u^soniGS, two' Odd Fello-vvs lodges, 
with Sons of Temperance and other organizations. 

The I' nited States Branch Mint, established hero in 1835 and contin- 
ued as mint of coinage luitil 1861, is a building giving marked features 
to the cit}'. Ife is now an assay ...office at which large amounts of gold 
and other minerals are assayed, and since its establishment as a Sub- 
Treasury distributes in its purchases of bullion at assa}' value from the 
aiiines at or near Charlotte, ^a„y,jery cpjisideijab.le amount of mone}' 
ffnonthly. This Sidi-Tw^asui^Jr lej^Ai-fe iB^iraMitihg gold production in 
this region, and many of the old mines are being re-opened and worked. 

Charlotte has two machine shops and foundries^ besides a branch of 
the 8hockoo Iron Works, of Eichraond, Va., and also a branch of the 
Erie City Il'on AVorks, at Erie, Penna. All elassd^ of Inachinery and 
mills can b'e purchased hei'e at low figures! 

''' Charlotte has an annual trade in dry goods of $2,000 000; 'groceries 
$2,500,000 ; l>oots and shoes $750,000;" Avhiskies and high wines '|500,- 
000: hardAvare $750,000; agricultural implements manufactured and 
sold here $.300,000; in leather, hides and findings, taii^ned and manufactu- 
red here $200,000; drugs $250,000. 

The four banks have a caj)ital of near one million of dollars; deposits 
in addition of over a million. 

Charlotte has one daily newspaper, and three weeklies. 
Charlotte is the centre of the gold, silver, copper and iron mines 
and the famous Rudisill Gold Mine, with Its largestamp mill, is less than 
two miles from the court house. 

There are, nea^ Charlotte, beds of barytes. A paint mill would pay 
largeh'. The people are driving, enterprising, intdligent aiid refined. 
Property is cheap and so is the price; of living'., ' ' 

COTTOX FACTQEIES. 

Within twelve to thirty miles of Charlotte, tfhere an Jiine cotton fac- 
tories, viz : :diM U.'fioi.i'J Oil. •'■fJl 4- 

1. The Mountain Island Mills,' 12 miles frorii Charlotte ; 5,000 spin- 
dles ; 'kes osnalrargs, plaids, sheetin-gs, yarns and warps ; lights with 
gas of its own manufacture; sells its products in Philadelphia, St. Loni> 
and Chicago, and at Charlotte, N. C. 

2. The Woodlawn Mills, 10 miles; employs 200 hands, 75 looms and 
2,500 spmdles ; niannfaeturcs about 800 bales of sheeting and 240 bales 



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■of yarn, awd sells -iiU its productions from this market. One luilo from 
Lowell. 

3. The Lawrence Mill^ '16 miles ; 2,500 Piiimlles, capacity 5,000 ; 
makes warps and yarns; J mile, from Woodlawn Mills. At Lowell, 
Gaston county, distant one mile, is depot. 

4. Mount Holly Mills, 12 miles, 2,000 spindles ; makes warps ; sells 
Xorth ; is increasing. ,. 

5'. G'astonia Mills, 17 miles;- 3,000 spindles, makes warps andiyariis, 
and sells North. ' ■ •..;.. 

6. Stowesville Factory, 10 miles; 2^000 spindles, 24 looms; makes 
yarns and shirtings loi' home market; is increasing. . 

7. Odell & Co. Mills, 18 miles: a-uus 2,000 spindles and 50 looms; 
naakes yarns and shet'tingH tor homo, market. ' . ; * 

"8. Phifer & Allison, 35 miles; run 1,500 spindles and 30 looms ; makes 
.shirtings and -yarns for homo market. 

9. Elocky Biver Mills, 20 miles ; 1.000 spindles. 15 looms ; yarns and 
.-heetings for home murket. 

The Lawrence Mills, mentioned above, are entirely new, h;t\'ing 
commenced operations in Jime 1879. 

Charlotte can show Ijettei-' opportunities for various manufacturing 
cntei*]-)rises than any other city in. the South. It has a start and cannot 
retrograde. 

All ij) all, persons locating in and aoout here will tiud a greater blend- 
ing of all the requisites which ])roduce business ease and home luxur}', 
.1,1 less cost and Vvith lighter effort than can be foiuid elscAvhore. 



MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N. C. 

Mecklenburg Couiity|[hus a population of about 30,000. ' Its gold and 
other mines Jiow in operaticm, its mining advantages and water powers, 
its six railroads centreing at Charlotte, the county seat, its accessibility 
to market, its own population and the wide territory tributary to it, 
and for which this city is now the market, ^gives to the manufacturer 
and farmer an assurance of a read}- market, speedy and. direct transit 
Avith cheap fares and freights by through lines to any point on the con- 
tinent. 

THE ZS'OETIIEEX PAET 

of this county is gently rolling with occasional hills; is well watered by 
creeks, branches and some very fine springs. Considerable meadow and 
?x>ttom land on Pcedv, Back, McKeeand Mallard creeks. The meadow 



(6) 

and bottom lands are easily drained at a trifling cost, and, when drained;, 
produce very fine crops of corn, wheat, oats, clover, etc. Very little 
land in this part of the county not tillable. 

Schools — Davidson College, one of the heaviest endowed and among; 
the first educational institutions of the South, under the auspices of the 
Presbyterian Church; and Academy at Huntersville for boys; a number- 
of private schools; convenient common schools, kept four months in the 
year, where children between the ages of 6 and 21 years attend free of 
charge for tuition. 

Churches. — Me+hodist, Presbyterian, Associate Eeformed and Baptist.. 

Timber. — Oak, hickorj^, dogwood, ash, pine; &c. Near Davidson Col- 
lege much of the timber has been taken off, and it may be said that tim- 
ber is getting rather scarce; enough however for farm and firewood pur- 
poses. It is supposed that not over one fourth of the land is in actual 
cultivation. 

Products — Corn, cotton, Avheat, rye, oats, barley, clover ; evergreen., 
orchard and other grasses. Yield very fine under good cultivation. 

>S^]focA'.— Some fine horses, hogs, cattle and sheep have been raised in 
this section. Stock raising has been very satisfactory to the few who 
have been engaged in that business. 

This district is very healthful. The people are moral, religious, church- 
going, kind, hospitable, and will Avelcome strangers who may wish to^ 
settle among them. 

THE WESTEEN PAET 

Of this county is welUvatered by Long, PaAv and Davidson creeks,. 
small branches, and many very fine springs. 

This section bounded by the Catawba river, has much fine water- 
power, some very fine bottom lands, which produce very fine crops 
of corn, cotton, w4ieat, oats, barley and grasses. 

Generally gently rolling land, little but what can be brought into cul- 
tivation at trifling cost. 

Schools. — The educational advantages of this section consist principal- 
ly of common schools, taught four months in the year. 

Churches. — Several Presbyterian and Methodist. 

Timber. — This section is very well supplied with oak, hickory, ash., 
dogwood, pine, &c. Best timbered section in the county. There is less 
land in cultivation than in northern section. 

Prod\icts. — Same as in northern section. Yield good, under good cul- 
tivation. 

l^tock. — But little attention paid to improved breeds of stock, which, 
■would do well under proper management. Scrub stock thrives well. 

This district is more broken and rolling than any other portion of the 
county, though not hilly nor having ravines. It is traveused at inter- 
vals by gold veins, over which lies a gray loam,, with clay subsoil, and 
it is susceptible of high cultivation. 



(7) 

THE SOUTHERN SECTION. 

Parts of this section arc level, gently rolling, and along the Cataw^ 
ba river hilly. About two thirds of the southei-n half of the county is 
nearly level, and is finely watered by the Catawba river. Steel and Sugar 
creeks, etc. The soil is adeej^dark loam, finely adapted to all forms of 
agriculture. The greater portion of this section has been cultivated. 
Some lands have been turned out, but could by proper management 
he brought into cultivation at light cost. Some of the most productive 
land in the county is in this section, yielding very large crops of cotton, 
corn, wheat, rye, oats, and many of the cultivated grasses. It is a health- 
ful district. 

Stoch. — But little attention paid to improved stock. Scrub stock 
thrives very well. 

Schools. — Several academies for boj's ; also common schools, kei)t four 
months each year. 

Churches. — Presbyterian, Associate Eetbrmed, Lutheran, Baptist and 
Methodist. 

Timber. — Xot so well timbered as the northern or western section, but 
some very fine timber near Catawba river, oak, hickory, dogwood, 
pine, &c. 

THE EASTERN SECTION 

Is rolling, but not hilly ; generall}' somewhat like the northern sec- 
tion. It is a little broken in the exteme eastern corner, but has no ra- 
vines or hills. The soil alternates a grayish sandy top with red clay 
subsoil, admirably adapted to cotton, tobacco, cereals, fruits and stock 
raising. There is much timber, mainly oak and hickor}', interspersed 
along the creeks — of which there are many — with ash ; on the uplands 
there is some forest pine. This district is thickly settled, although there 
is much unoccupied land which can be opened to culture at slight cost. 
Its schools are good, society excellent and church jirivileges equal to 
any part of the county. 

The above statement of fiicts is obtained from Messrs Wm. Maxwell, 
Register of Deeds, J. R. Erwin, Probate Judge, and M. E. Alexander, 
Sheritf. These gentlemen have spent the greater part of their lives 
here, belonging to old lamllies, and know the countv thoroughly. 

T. L. VAIL, 
Chairman Board of Co. Com'rs. 
State tax, 29 cents ; County tax. 29 cents per $100. This tax covers 
all items save City taxes. 



NORTHERN SETTLERS. 



A vdji::!i,;\i!:r', BBHAa;i.Ft:ioiF;f.x,H,^^^ 



Oil the 1-itli day of Dccoiuber. 1879, Mr. N. Duaiont, a iiortli.ern luaii 
Avho had settled in business in Charlotte, IST. C. abont two years before, 
caused to be printed and circulated through the press of the South, and 
by mail;, tQ;su6h northern residents whose names ho could find, this cir- 
cular letter, viz : 

"CiiAKLOTTE, X. C, Dec. 14, I6IS4 

'•Djbah Siii: — I have consulted with a number of gentlemen who have 
moved from Xew York. Xew Hampshire and other Northern States ■ and 
settled in this State, South Carolina and (leorgia since the War, many of 
them ex-Union soldiers ; I myself am from Spring-field, Massachusetts. The- 
conclusion we have arrived at, is' that Northern men who have settled in the 
South, luive in their li;mds the solution of the question, as to whether any con- 
siderable number of good Northern men and iiclive Northern capitiil can 
be diverted to the Soutli. Many of the Northern papers are giving M-rong no- 
tions as to how Northern people are received. You knoW many of our friends 
will not put much faith in what Southern men or papers say on this head. 
We who have consulted upon this matter deem it wise to hold a conventioii 
of Northern men only, who have settled South since the, war — ,good, fair 
representative men. Your name has been given as such an one. It is thought 
wise to hold this convention about January 15th, at Charlotte, N. C, it being 
more central for all. Arran^-ements have Ijeen made with the railroads for 
tlie round trip at one fare. Will you be kind enough to signify if you will come 
or not, aaid if you cannot come, please address me a letter stating your views. 
It is desired in the convention to prepare a statement for publication in 
Northern papers, setting forth the soil, climate, prices, ease of making a living 
and social treatment of the individual Northern man. It is not desired to cov- 
er any question of politics or extreme vieM's of any kind. 

"In your letter, whether of acceptance or declination, please state if you were 
in the Federal army, company and regiment; where you moved from to your 
present residence, and how long you have resided at your present where- 
abouts. 

"We shall be glad to liear from you at the earliest day. 

"Your obedient servant, 

"N. DUMONT, 
"Charlotte, N. C." 

The sentiments therof but cryhtalized the thought in the hearts of 
Northern residents in the South, which only sought some mode of ex- 
presion, and in response thereto at noon, on the 15th of January", 1879, 
75 to 80 delegates, representing Virginia, North Carolina, South Caro- 
lina, Georgia and Florida, assembled at the Opera House in Charlotte, 



JsT. C, when they were called to. order, the call. re?,d and iia a short 
speech the causes' ihspiririg- 'the ckn"'^ei'c'stated.''''' * "!'''/''", ''./''■''' ;'''' 

By a. imaiiinapu^ \';at,e,,the coaycntioii w.aa orgaiuzed,,)c>.);7,,,cpilUj^,,Mr 
Dumoni to the clp.air, ajud by voting the following nan\ed ^^entiemcii 
vice-j^rGsidents : .W. B. Middaugb, of Danville, Ya. ; A. J. Cnrti?, San 
Mateo, Flfl. ; P. P. Lawshe, Crainesville, (^a..; H. CojiCendaH; , ^pliick 
btation, h>. .0. ,!,,■■ ' • •-.'I ■! .ji 

On motion, the appointmoiit of the secretaries were placed, in the hands 
of i^he president ajid McBsrs E. E. McL'ona,ld, of Charlotte, Thos., J- Con- 
ger, of Conger's Station, Iredell county, iind Capt. John E.' WQP'cll^p-fee, 
of Concord were selected! *' .' \\ '\ . ' ' " '',■'■' 

COUBTSsms'OF TJIE CITY. 

.■■■■. \)y:':l (■;■■-':-.• •^^ -i' .: i •> (ii ;;,-■'-, • ii:frr'iii«>') "';:i' 

Sho;-tlw; /ftftej.- ,t}i@; oiigi^iwation the president was informed thafc a commit- 
tee of the citizens, Oi Chaiilptte were preseiit and had a communication to 
present to the convention. . Upon invitation of the chair Hon. B. R. .Smith, 
Mayor of the city came forward, and after a brief introduction extending to 
the members of tlie couventiaii Elie, liuspitalities oJL the city, aunouuced tliat Ji 
meeting of citizeiLs luwl.directed a <?ominjttee, of Aivhich he avus .ehairiium, to 
present a reso],utioif of w«ilcome to -the ctrnvention, :^^']uoii:he herevvitli ljres6nt- 
ed to tlie president. < .,., , • •■■••.■.> •,,.;; o- 

The resolution was. read by the, secretary,, as follows: ' /,■ ,:' t,>jiii. 

, ,'\VtiEKKAs, The citizens of Qliarloite havebeen infDrmedtfkiJ.toe'rfcain, citizens 
froni the oSTorth, wiio have become residents of tliis and. otheil Southern States, 
contemplate meetiiig in convention in tins city on the l;jth inst., for the pur- 
pose of giving an exi)rehisi()n of opinion as to the jnateria.l.iVsources, and social 
and political condition of this, section ; and , , ., ,, ',.•■■ 

WiiEiiEAS-', It is the desire of our people that; the factk in tlils co]iVenti,on 
shall be fairly and fully stated by men ,>yhp have come . . ., u^pfiu- 

enced by the prejudices of Southern birth ; and , ,',' 

Whereas, "We believe that tlie facts y.'ill be '^o st9,ted',by ' .aveniibn, 

without regard to sectional sympathies, ,]'.' ' ' ' '/ ''. 

Now, Theit fori'. We, the undersigned coihmitted, in behalf of ; '• citlztns of 
Charlotte, tender to the delegates of this convention a cordial \velc<»uie and 
the hospitalities of tlie city, :>nd request oxir cliairm;in to priSi^ent ilus'ln person 
to the convention. ' 1^' ,', 

B;^.',*jMiT'n, ChiiVh. 
TL r. 'JOJ^ES. 
^Y. ,T. Yates. 

C. I)0W15. 

IL M. IMlLLEI.. 

BUSiNE.^s A ^ [ I . ■■ : : ■- i I ESsro:^s OF; M j:;}pp^Rb. ,,.,.,, I 

The communicatio}!, as veli as (li,; r-!,;arks of the mayor, were''' received 
and a committee was appointed to prepare an answer to both. ' 

It was: suggested that the next thing in order wonld be the aiipointnvent of ;i 
committee on resolutions to prepare business for the convention. 

The president said before proceediugto this, he would prefer to iiear an ex- 
pression of tlie sentiments of the delegates on the subject of the call. 

In reply to this sugge^iion Mr. J. C. XJates, of Union county, addressed the 
convention at some lengtlj. lie was pleased with the idea of llie convention 
at iirst, and was satistied" that it could be made the instrument of great good. 



(10) 

He was in favor of taking local rather than general vieAvs. It would not be 
the part of wisdom in the convention to attempt to speak of that whereof it 
did not know and had not seen, but to confine its assertions to what had come 
under the observation of the delegates. He also thought all questions of politics 
should be excluded. He himself was a miner in Union county. He had al- 
ways received the kindest possible treatment while in Charlotte, and since he 
and his family had resided in Union county. 

He believed that North Carolina possessed special advantages to an agricul- 
tural people, and was satisfied that the mines in this section of the State could 
be woj."ked to great advantage. He said further that as a sheep growing country 
the Piedmont region of Xorth Carolina could not be surpassed. 

Mr. H. H. Bollman, of Polk county, N. C, formerly of Pittsburg, Pa., next 
spoke. He said that so far as the treatment of Northern settlers by Southern 
people Avere concerned, he hardly thought it was necessary to touch 
upon that question. Since he came here eight years ago, he hadexperienced . 
one continual expression of kindness. He had 1,100 acres of land in Spartan- 
burg county, S. C, and 600 where he lived— more land than he wanted. One 
liundred acres of it would support a family the size of his own. He himself 
felt the need of active, intelligent men to settle on it and cultivate it. The great 
need of his section was public schools for the dissemination of general infor- 
mation. If the people knew better they would certainly do better. 

Mr. Cushing, of Lincoln county, N. C. followed, saying that he had come to 
North Carolina under the most unfavorable auspices possible — as a yankee 
soldier, his company having been disbanded in the South. If the people had 
treated him any better, it would have made a fool of him. They would treat 
the most galvanized yankee the sameway. Why it was that Northern people 
kept on talking aboiit this thing, he couldn't for- the life of him see. He 
said we could offer them everything but equal advantages in public schools, and 
Ave were improving in this particlar. 

Mr. T. A. Hoyt, now of Earlsville, S. C, said he had been engaged in real 
estate business for some years, and had looked forward to this convention with 
liigh hopes. He had found as many well disposed and Christian people at 
liis present home as anywhere he had ever lived. He had received hundreds 
of letters asking the very questions which it was proposed that this conven- 
tion should answer. At this point he read a letter from Mr. L. N. Wilcox, 
late of Pennsylvania, who, in speaking of the advantages which the South of- 
fered, said that he would rather embark in business with $5,000 in the South 
than with $25,000 in the North. He now owned three hundred acres of bottom 
land in Polk county, which he wouldnot sell for $150 per acre. Mr Hoyt said he 
was satisfied that the climate, soil and general character of the country in 
North Carolina afforded as good homes as could be found anywhere. He also 
believed that any prejudices which Northern men might have would be 
removed by a residence in the South. 

At this point in the proceedings, a motion was made and carried that the 
chair appoint a committee on resolulutions to draft the views of the con- 
vention. 

The chair appointed the following: 

Rev. Dr. Mattoon, president of Biddle University, Charlotte, N. C, formerly of 
New York. 

A. J. Curtis, of San Mateo, Fla., formerly of New York. 

H. Coykendall,of Black's Station, S. C, formerly of Des Moines, la. 

AV. ]i. Middaugh, of Danville, Va., formerly of Pennsylvania. 

H. D. Ingersoll, of Loudsville, Ga., formerly of New York. 

The committee then retired to prepare the I'esolution. 
Several other short addresses were made in the same strain as those already re- 
ported. 

The convention then, on motion, adjourned to meet at 3 o'clock to hear the 
report of tlie committee on resolutions. 



(11) 

AFTERNOON SES.SION. 

When the convention re-assembled in the afternoon, a communication was 
read from Northern citizens of Newberne, N. C, and subsequently one from 
those resident in Mooresville, and also from Highlands in Macon county, also 
from Charlootte, K.C., setting forth the advantages which these localities offered 
to settlers, and on motion both communications were ordered to be tiled with 
tiie proceedings of the meeting. These documents will be found in the appendix. 

KEPORT OF THE COMMITTEE. 

Thecommitteeonresolutions through its chairman. Rev. Dr. Mattoou, an- 
aiounced that it was prepared to report, and the convention decided to vote on 
the resolutions seriatim. 

The committee offered the following for adoption : 

To the People of the Several Commmiwealths compoHng the United States 
of America • 

We, the representatives of Northern settlers in tlie Southern States, and be- 
ing ourselves immigrants from localities in the Northern States to tlie re- 
si)ective States following our individual signatures, in convention assembled, do 
call your attention to the following, feeling assured that cool judgment up- 
on the facts shown will set in flow the currents of reason, and action will fol- 
low reasoning without prejudice. "We prefer to make findings specifically and 
at length, and we find : 

1st. That in the States of our former homes there exists an active })rejudice 
against the South, and its people; that this prejudice is mighty in its inliuence 
for evil on the nation ; that by it and through it the conditions of the country 
are largely disquieted; that it is fomented and kept alive for ends ulterior 
to the common weal; that the real interests of the nation are kept out of 
sight in keeping alive this prejudice. That much of this prejudice, if not all 
of it, is due mainly to wrong information concerning (and paid ;d and total 
ignorance of) the facts existing in a large portion of the Soutli. 

2d. That in the portions of the South in which we reside, the right of any 
man, from no matter where, to express publicly as well as privatt iy his opinion 
upon any subject and of every nature, is nowhere and in no mjiun.r restrained. 
That alllaws are well administered and as truly enforced against the wrong- 
doer as in any part of any State of the Union. 

3d. That any man who has so conducted himself at his former home as 
to win the regard of honest men and decent people, by pursuing the same 
course of life in the Soutli, does gain and keep the regard and respect of all 
people, regardless of any question of politics or religious faith ; and we fur 
ther find that being a Northern man is certainly no disadvantage. 

4th. That every" citizen recognizes that he is amenable to the law, and that 
local self-government is as much required and encroachments upon these 
as much deplored as in any State Nortli, East or "West. 

5th. "We find, too, that persons foisted themselves upon the polity of the South, 
and by their conduct cast discredit upon tlie Northern name. 

6th. Those of us who were in the army of the Union never for a moment 
pretended to think of denying our uniform or the old cause. The Confeder- 
ate soldier has always evinced the true soldier instinct in the grasp of tliose 
who were his enemies in war. 

7th. That considering reputed outrages, if these were carefully sifted it 
will be found that the complainants for like acts woiild have suffered at the 
handa of any people under like provucatjaia. 



BUSIKESS AMD SOGtAJL iiEl^ATIOHS. 

8tb. We iind that in business relations the ex-Confederate in willing to< 
sell his land on time to Northern men, even to people who could not get the 
same accommodations at the ]Sorth, East or West. We find, too, that in the 
ramitications of business they endorse our notes and bai;ik paper, and are not 
over-anxious or inquisitive on (juestions of extension, and they frequently 
say, "It is as much our interest as j^ours that you should succeed and by 
your success help till the, country with thrifty people." 

9th. That as neighbors they visit our firesides and welcome us to the privi- 
leges of public worship, and sympathize in cur sorrows and afflictions ; that they 
admire sturdy integrity and real principle; that their definition of what 
these things are corresponds with the idea of the same our neighbors in tlie 
North held in common with us. A\' e find that we are. not tabooed nor sub- 
jected to any kind of persecution for proper conduct or good Northern ideas 
or principles, and though differing from many of oui Southern neighbors on 
many essential<iuestions in politics and otherwise, we have lived and prospered 
here among them-, they knowing these differences. 

NEEDS OF THE SOUTH. . 

10th. AVe find that the South needs more people badly, and that none ap- 
)ireciate it more than the native population, and that they are willing to of- 
fer fair inducements to industriotis ])eople to come and settle among them. If 
residence among a people and having daily social and business contact with 
them means anything, then we ask a fair consideration by all people of the 
facts we herein find; and that at least the same credit be given to our state- 
ments that is given to the unsupported statements so swift in their mission of 
dissension and misrepresentation. 

riESCRIPTION OF THE EASTEIiN OR ATLANTIC SLOPE. 

11th. That east of a line drawn from Eichmond, Va., to Raleigh, N.C., thence 
to Columbia, S. C, thence to Tallahassee, in Florida, the country on the east- 
ern side of the South Atlantic States contains a vast extent of rich alluvial 
lands, fine sandy loams, a considerable extent of swamp and arid sand, heavy 
forests of pine and cypress, fine fisheries and harbors, important water pow- 
ers and vast beds of marl and shell; that in this sea-slope belt, from the Po- 
tomac to the gulf, is grown all products that are grown in any of the States of 
the North, and in addition fine qualities of tobacco, cotton and rice, while south 
of Savannali the bannana and other tropical fruits add their valuCi 

THE FOOT HILLS, OR PljiDAIONT BELT. . 

12th. That abouth 60 miles "westward of the line given, the country, gradually 
rises, and at about the line given becomes gently undulating, aiid assumes 
its distinctive character as the foot hills of the Blue Ridge range of mountains 
and becomes the country known as the Piedmont belt, aiid is comprised in that 
strip of country lying to the west of the line given for an average distance of 
about 150 miles, in some parts narrower and m others slightly wider, its eastern 
limit having an altitude of from 300 to 400 feet, rising bv gradations to a height 
of from 900 to 1,100 feet on its ejistern line. Within this Piedmont belt are 
forests of oak. ash, hickory, walnut, maple, l)eech, birch, all the hard woods 
Avith yellow pine and occasional belts on the higher ridges of white pine. 
Rivers and creeks afford, with their tributaries, abundant water, and these 
streams fail not, neither go dry. 



(13) 

WATER POWER AND AGRICn/niiE. 

Abundant water powers, Tati^gfe riimibtlrsof them averaging ft.-c>W< 12 ttJ'tWoiJtJP' 
feet, and many from 25 to 50 feet, and others frOiti 00 to 150 feet of nat^ 
nral fall, on streams havin,^- a width of from lOO to 700 feet. ' SoniB of 
these w'ater powers have cotton and woolen mills thereon, and anv on^i 
W'ishinc;- to be interested, can be shown that these are payin,!:^ liandsrtmely. The 
soil is genei-idly a red clay or mulatto or chocolate land, grey loam and black' 
soil. The bottom lands yield lar.i,^ely; those of the uplands moderately. On 
the kind of culture hitherto foi lowed in the South — whicli is in no degreenp 
to the Xorthern standard, yet owing to ease of transportation to niarkex, sliort 
ness of lines and the kindness of the climate, the money value of all crops 
exceeds that of tlie fields' cff 'Kansas or Minnesota. 
■-I'jiii . ■■ ' ' . 

'■■''■ MINES. 

A. We find in this belt, mines of gold, iron, copper, coal, limestonevmica. bary- 
tes, mineral paint, corundum, etc., etc., wdiich, if worked with the assiduity ami 
appliances as elsewhere, w'ould furnish labor to a vast population, and eijual in 
yield those of other States more known to popular rejiort. 

; ' ' i ' r 

CLIMATE, INSECTS, i , >,.. < ■■ 
' : ; •' . .!•>/; I' 

B. We find the climate of tliis belt salubrious, invigorating and re.-jioring; 
that its summer temperature is lower and cooler by several degrees liiau at 
the Nortli, that gentle breezes keep the summers restful : (hat droutlis <»r fail- 
ure of crops are unknown ; that insects and pests destructive to rrojis have no 
existence; that the winters are moderate and short; that animallife is easily 
supported without expensive methods of care and constant working lO feea ._ 
the labor of the summer awaj-; that here man works for himsi-ff and hisjl' 
and not for his brutes; that there is no montli in the year but thatoui of doot' 
labor on the farm can be done and plowing is not ordin<mly:ihtt^tt'''rf^d' with 
by frost or snow. '. , , . 

iiealthfulneI^s. 

C. AVe find the countrv healthful, Avell drained and singularly free from ague, 
malarious fevers and malignant disease; and, wliere any such cases liave occur- 
red it will be found due to neglected local causes, such as dams in marshy 
l)laces, obstructed ponds causing back -flows and eonse(iue)it stagnation'. '.'. ' 

PKODITCTS. 

D. We fiijd that co.tton, tobacco, all the cereals, the apple, peacl^, fig, pome- 
granate, all varieties of fruit, the grape aiid various lierries thrive and niature 
finely — the peach bearing in tliree years fi'om the seed. That tlie tame grasses 
are grown with slight effort, and .are a profitable crop; that sheep, cartJi? and 
swiiie pav handsomely. , ,' . , ' ' ' ' i^ ■ n ■• i .-.i 

E. We find that all oceup'atlbii§"p'iitsu^tl foi^T)rofit wliether iA 'ti-ade;''1'a%, 
agriculture, mechanics, manufactures, when pursued here with the saniepef- 
sistency and methods as other countries, yield as large returns with less., 
strain. ■ • ■■ ■ 

THE MOUNTAIN CQUNTB.xi?iri)*- TABLE LANDS. 

13th. We find that to the west of the Piedmont belt is a vast extent of nioun- 
tain country nearly 200 miles in width. This is composed of high table land.s 
rich in natural grasses of most succulent character; fine mountain slopt.H 
not too precipitous, and narrow valleys of the most productive kind. Thealti- 



(") 

tude of the country is from 1,100 to2,300 feet above the sea; its atmosphere 
is singularly rare and pure. Fine mineral springs abound, and these districts 
have, already attained eminence as health and pleasure resorts. It con- 
tains 'mountains and spurs, cascades and other scenic details which give it 
note for the grand and picturesque. Its forests comprise all the woods enumer- 
ated in the Piedmont range. It is more sparsely settled than the eastern range 
and much of it is remote from lines of travel. It is rich in all kinds of mineral 
wealth, and its mines of copper, mica, iron and corundum are yielding hand 
some profits to their operators Owing to its altitude, its winter climate is 
more rigorous, though the winters are short. "There are narrow zones along 
the flanks of various mountain ranges known as frostless belts. They vary 
from a few rods to several hundred yards in width ; these boundaries are 
very narrowly defined and remain permanent." Within these favored lines 
fruits, whether of the tree, vine or shrub are never struck by frost. Its 
•capacities and capabilities for stockgrowing, its ample water power, its im- 
mense forests and tine lands, its healthful climate and great stretches of un- 
occupied cheap lands mark it as a stretch of country capable of support- 
ing a vast industrial as well as health seeking people. 

' PKICES. 

14th. We find that through any of these several distinctive belts of coun- 
try of the whole South, unimproved lands can be had at prices ranging from 
75 cents to $10 per acre, dependent on remoteness from town and rail ; that 
improved lands can be had at from $;3 to $50 per acre. 

EAILW^AYS. 

15th. That at no distant day the lines of railway now reaching from the 
South Atlantic seaboard, and only impeded in finding their way through the 
Blue Ridge mountains, will make the ports of Southern States the shipping 
points for the surplus grain and meat products of the W^est rather than follow 
the lines to the Northern seaboard and lakes so often blockaded by snow in 
the transit, and arriving late and partly damaged at ice-bound ports. 

COTTON MILLS AT WORK. 

16th. That manufactures at the South are receiving good attention, and 
that more than ten extensive cotton factories, numbering more than 200,000 
spindles, are in successful operation by a union of native and Northern capital, 
and that several hundreds of cotton factories, averaging from 1,000 to 10,000 
spindles, are in successful and profitable operation along the water courses, 
with abundant room for other and larger factories; that these factories are 
mainly owned and managed by Southern people and the operatives come 
from the native white population. We find these several sources of profit in 
cotton manufacture which are lost inthe North, viz : 

1st. The factories are in the fields ofproduction; the producer and manu- 
facturer are brought together, and the profits of the interchange remain at 
liome. 

. 2nd. Saving of transportation of raw material and return of manufactured 
fabrics. 

3rd. The tolls of cotton ginning enter into manufacture ; this is labor and 
the profit of labor entering into manufacture with the other saving as a 
source of profit. 

4th. The cost of water power is nominal, properly speaking: nothing but 
the building of a cheap wooden dam and rude canals; the streams never 
freeze in winter nor go dry in summer; no loss of time. 



(15) 

oth. Exceeding clieapness of building material and common laboi". 

6th. Cheapness of fuel ; wood not over $1.25 a cord. 

7th. Factories need not be heated to exceed 40 days per year. 

MARKETS. 

8th. A good home market in a country where the money crop, being cotton, 
means cash, and not trade, for that crop, and home product selling side by 
side with tlie Northern made article attlie same price, tlirows cost of freight, 
&c., into the pocket of the Southern manufacturer, so that that which con- 
stitutes two items of expense in Northern manufacture becomes two profits 
to the Southerner. 

THRIFTLESSNESS OF THE SOUTHERN FARMER. 

17th. We find that the modes of agriculture pursued at the South are 
strangely thriftless; that the implements in use, the wagons and means of 
farm transportation and cultivationare most rude ; that if the same modes 
of farming Avere followed in the North, and the same implements used, bank- 
ruptcy, ruin and squalor would follow in every instance; that the Southern 
farmer prospers by such methods and tools is due to the kindness of 
Providence in giving a climate and soil which almost i)rovide for ma:^ 
themselves; almost certainly for beast: for but few feed stock ni all, the 
very minimum of exertion produces more than a living. Nortliern farmers 
pursuing the courses of farming here that they do at home will amass wealth. 

BAD ROADS AND WORN BRIDGES. 

18th. We find that no attention whatever has been given to roads or bi'idges 
in the South ; that passage over many portions of the higher country is most 
difficult ; that gullies and holes exist in them oftentimes, renderiiig passage 
highly unsafe and adding terribly tothecost of marketing produc-ts ; that fre- 
quently bridges have dangerous holes in them, and are often mad" of round 
poles laid loosely; that the approaches to many of the cities and towns, where 
the roads run together and travel gathers, are miracles of l)adness i:nd call for 
ready attention, in not alone tlie enforcement of the very wise Mud full 
road laws, already existent, but the addition of a road tax giving the citizens, 
as in other States, the option to pay a road tax either in money or Inbor. 

19th. We find a good code of schoollaws providing for a system of free pub- 
lic schools; the sparseness of the poi)ulation prevents the full administration 
of them, and the fund is divided with fairness between both white asid black. 
The people believe and act upon tlie principle that ignorance is tiie mother 
of crime and vice as well as of superstition. The private scliool system al- 
ways did have preference at the South, and those who ave al)le prefei- to send' 
their children to them, because the school tax— owing to tlie wide distances, 
between homes — hardly suffices to provide for more than the veiy rudimen- 
tary branches of knowledge; yet this is generously supplemented by private 
contributions and in many districts public schools of fair charactev are htid, 
and in some instances good graded schools are maintained. Tlie ])ublic 
school system is growing largely in favor; its revenues are ;iiiiiually in- 
creasing, and, but for a fear of extravagance in its use, would be hugely in- 
creased. The numbers of the population at a fair distance from towns and 
cities, are not enough to justify many appliances for free schools, jind there- 
fore much of education is carried on even now, at home, while Ireijiiently, 
those who pay school tax, do not avail themselves of its use foi' the leason 
given. An assurance of economy in public school administration woiildgive 
it swift impulse. What has jeopardized it, is that in some portions it was made 
the subject of public plunder a few years since by those h;i\in!.c <;!iarge of 
its disbursement. 



. (16) 

TAXES. 

20th. We find, that tax'^s-Mnc^^Uome rule has been given to the tSotith, have 
very materially lightened. ' '111' ]Srorth Carolina and Georgia they are very low, 
■while in the other States they are high, owing to a system of graceless plunder, 
unconscionable issues of illegal bonds, and diversion of funds from their pro- 
per uses. The details of this question, that is tlie rate of tax, we prefer to leave 
to the application of tlie party wanting knowledge, to the collectors of the sev- 
eral counties, or the auditors of the public moneys of the respective States. 
It Will be found, however, that the rate of tax is based upon a valuation of little 
over one-third, if any. \ ; ; . . : v; . . . ' - • 

t'RTJIT' eut'f UEE. 

_ 21st. That while fruit thrives in the South most luxuriantly, yet little atten- 
tion whatever is paid to varieties; vines go untrained and trees imi)runed; that 
in a country, wiiere fruit of all kinds thrives without any climatic causes for 
destruction, yet no varieties are bred. The fruit is largely common in variety, 
and all ripens at about the same time. No attempt is 'made to save it and it 
hangs upon the trees, breaking :tliem down with its burden, the branches not 
even being proppetl. But few nurseries exist and cities could be named which 
have no nursery witiiin 100 miles. The orange districts are cared for as regards 
the cultivation of that fruit as a. orop, but all other fruits have hitherto bepn 
neglected. Latterly, attention is being paid to earlier varieties, and also, kinds 
which ripen at difkereut periods. The sales of fruit trees from Northern nur- 
series are very large. As a busiaess, canning fruit could be made a profitable 
industry, especially, since peacjies bear in tliree years from tiie seed. 

,^,, SHEEP HUSBANI)E.,X, STOCK AND DAIRY FARMJNG., 

,22d. "We find that no attention is paid to stock growing or sheep hu^soaiidry, 
neither to making of batter, and cheese, and, that vast portions of the South' iire 
in every element eminently adapted to these industries, aiiy of , which would 
return large profits. In ii small way some thrifty persons have turned their 
attention to some one or other of tlie'se things, and their resultant i^'olit from 
stock and sheep, are exciting attention to this subject. Cattle are genirally of 
inferior kind, and receive little feed in wiiiter; rely on grass in suriuuer and 
are in but few insta.nces housed. The same reniaiks apply in a general way 
to horses and nudes, aiidthougli more care is exercised %Aith theni, yet ,uo par- 
ticular attempt is inadi- in the country to attain good breeds; as a conseciu'ence 
horses are cheap in a country where fine horses are adijUired. Good horses sell 
for good prices in the tlilckly populated distiicts, and arc b;L-ought from other 
I'arts of the country. li,i th.is .H(S id lu.ujy t>tuev/.tl}ings.^t^he f^outh,,!^ the 
market for the North. •ir;?, ' , ",.<','.,'(!.)■/..!,'.'',. 

. CAUSES 6e SHOltT COMINGS. 



23d. We find that much, if not all, of this,a]iparent waste and inattt^ntion to vast 
elements of material piofit,the throwing aside of opportunity for wealth, is 
due to these facts largely. When the war closed, the labor system of the 
v'?outh was destroyeil; the white people were penniless and came back to devas- 
tated fields v/ith nothing to go upim, their farm tools lost or destroyed. In 
many, if not most cases, large faniiJies were depeitdent upon tlie returned sol- 
dier who never iieforehaddonea (hij-'s labor in the field, andhad no experience 
in theory, much less practice, in lahor of '.iriy kind. Tliey must, then not only 
iearn tiie business of agriculture but make a sui)port. Cotton ;it that time, 
ruled high in j^rice, and meant money ; so thiit every energy and every bit of 
attcntioh WHS turned to its culture fo the neglect of grains, fruit, cattle, &c. ; 
and to i'aisc as large a cotton crop as possible with the least outlay was the 



; (17) 

purpose oi ;i.il. Gi';itlu:illy the experienci! of yejirs, tlie fiilling oi tiu' price of 
■cotton, showed the Southern farmer that he must no longer pay money for 
bread and meat, wJi en it could be more cheaply produced'; and in the last few 
years they have shown attention to agricultural chemistly, the: treatment of 
soils, aiid a directiun toward other impori;ant brandies oi' iiusbandry, stock 
and fruit growing. r- ■ > • )V\-' > 

TIME TO PLANT, &c 

, ; ^tilij We, ^nd that crops tinay be grown as follows; "Wlieut, oats, &c., 
.sowij, in . iSept^mber or October or as, late as December, is liiiryested.iii May 
or June; that on this ground may be planted corn, together Avith peas, and 
potatoes may be planted as late as July and harvested in late October, and .in 
some portions turnips may be planted after the hite potato crop, thus nuiking 
two and three crops per year. The farm year begins iai Sej)tember,, then 
fall crops are sown, and reiit contracts are m;u.le. .seeding of small grains 
goes on until Ltecember; .and iii, February spring work liegiiis upon tlie.£i^rm. 

WHX COLONIZE V 

'■■<• HmJi' 'Mil.. ..■'■<: 

25rh. Vv'e i-nd iii;(t it is not n^cefe'Sary to Inove in colonies oi'sqiiads. unless u 
be a matter of choree among friends or iieighbors so to do. Socially no advan- 
tage arises t^> the Stranger who nraygroup with a uumbe't of other strangers, 
to settle in a body as strangers to each "other among strangeTs. Social consid- 
eration and protection is 'gained quite as (paickly bjS^ the sihgle settler as it 
would be if he settled with a colony. It will in all cases be found wise to 
learn the experiences of the native farmer, get his observations on the soil, 
and kindred things, and to do just as y()u wonid elsewhere. Be neighborly, 
pay and return visits; we hnd ourselves alvt'^ays welcome, and discuss party i)oii- 
tics also, when in the order of conversation it beconies a topic, quite as freely 
as we did anywhere. 

CHEAP L4B0E. 

2Gtli. We. find that farm. and drudge labor here is very clieap,,tlie wages be- 
.Liig from .•?() to !i?10 per moirtli, with rations furnished, these consisting, of 
meal, pork and inolasse^, supplied weekly; that undej- these conditions ;io man 
Avho ex])ects to make Jiis living as a farm or drudge h?J.i,d, ovight to tliink of 
coming to the South. There is also a full supply of clerks and yoiuag profes- 
sional men. - ,;,, 

''■•'" ■ '' ■ ■■:, ' ■ • . ■ ■ . I . 

27th. AVe tind tliat any 'man AVho lias the energy to go^Vest, Avith limited 
means, and trusts to his energy and tlie smiles of Providen,ce, and wiio succeeds 
there,, could take the same energy and trust and liave gre;iter certainty of suc- 
cess in the South. He has no grasshoppers, nor enduring ice, nor . sno\A% nor 
blasting drought, nor violent \vinds. His wants are fewer, his liardsuips less. 
A generous soil is his, producing well, and capable of being Avorked in during 
any month of the year ; fine forests of Avood of various kinds, minerals of all 
fcindsv marble, granitej sandstone and all otlier building and ornaniental 
fabrics in abundance, line Avater poAvers, and a diversiiied scenery, A climate 
always moderate, no sultry nights Avhich leave, him more exhausted than 
on his ■ retiring ; the noon-<lay sun of summer so tempered that its heat is not 
oi)pressive ancO rarely rising to a temperature of 98 degrees Fahrenheit; the 
\\'inds moderate and Avithout sluirp contrasts of change. Any man, then, 
Avith the pluck to make of himself a AVestern pioneer, can Avitliin less than 
ten years, in this country, where all things tend to man's ^ood health and 
]n-osperity, surround himself Avith lands and stock, and have a ime income with 
less privation than in many portions of the Union. ,,-..' 

2Sth. We lind that a man Avitli means enough to keep himself on a farm or in 
a small industry uniil he matures a crop, can got A'ery liberal terms of time 



m 



(18) 

payment on lands, at low prices from the native population ; and, that with a 
properly directed energy and industrious and sober habits he cannot fail to 
live very comfortably and accumulate property. 

OSTEACISM. 

29th. We find that no man is ostracised for liis opinions or on account of 
the land of his birth ; but, as elsewhere for his bad acts and dishonest failure 
to meet his trusts and obligations. We find, too, that it is a mistake to treat 
suspiciously or to ignore the kindly offices of neighborly friendship in all , 
cases extended to a stranger and that sometimes persons liave repelled kind- 
ness and then complained of being let alone. 

30th. We find that the Southern native expects Northern people to have 
notions on politics and other topics different from his, and views with as 
much contempt as is elsewliere done, any man who truckles or toadies for 
simple gain. 

31st. We find, that to the people of the other sections of the United States, the 
South is an unknown land so far as relates to knowledge of its soil, its climate, 
its healthf ulness and its people. That it is libelled for partisan ends and we 
present this document in all conscience and honor, to give honest knowledge 
and correct wrong reports. 

In a document of this kind we cannot give detailed figui-es of products 
per acre, nor the yield per ton of ores, nor the lussay value of minerals, nor the 
monthly tliermal range for each point, nor nuuiy other special facts, but we, 
each of us, invite correspondence and will furnish facts and figures regarding 
our several localities on application. 

To the truth of all tliis we pledge ourselves and stand upon its truth by 
our signatures hereto. 

(SKiXJiRS.) 

llev. S. Mattoon, D. 1)., president of Biddle University at Cliarlotte, N. C. ; 
formerly of New York. 

W. B. Middaugh, Danville, Va., farmer: formerly of Tioga county. Pa. 

II. Coykendali, farmer, Black's, S. C; DesMoines, Iowa. 

A. J. Curtis, fruit grower at San Mateo, Florida, and stock farmer at States- 
ville, X, C. : Saratoga, N. Y. 

H. D. Ingersoll, miner, Loudsville, Ga.; Massachusetts, and of Company F, 
47th Massachusetts Infantry, and late Company D, 59th Massachusetts Vete- 
rans. 

X. Dumont, president of convention, Charlotte, N. C. 

li. E. McDonald, secretary, Charlotte. N. C; 27th Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

John AVoodhouse, editor 'Register, Concord. X. C. ; Morris coimty, X. J. 

Tlios. J. Conger, farmer, Elm wood, X. C; ]>rooklyn, X. Y. 

I. F. Smith, iarmer, Mecklenburg county, X. C; Port Jervis, X. Y. 

W. H. Miller; Van Buren county, Iowa. 

.John W. Plummer, merchant, T'lummersville, Robeson county, X. C. ; Mil- 
waukee, Wis., captain Company (r, 24th Wisconsin Infantry. 

S. A. Sollenberger ; Xewville, Pa. 

Julius Braun, upholsterer, Charlotte. X. C. : Xew York, 7th U. S. Cavalry. 

S. M. Howell, merchant, Charlotte, X. C. ; Xewark, X. J. 

Chas. Foster, farmer, Mecklenburg county, X. C. ; Lebanon, Pa. Company 
E, 2d Xew Jersey Cavalrv. 

AV. B. Harker, Shoe Heel, Robeson county, X. C. ; Salem county, X. J. 

Leverett M. Loomis, land agent, Chester, S. C. ; Camden county, X. J. 

Wm. Sahms, superintendent cotton factory. Clay Hill. S. C; Philadelphia, 
Pa. 

Jno. W. Carr, book keeper, Charlotte, X. C. ; Xorristown, Pa. 

Jas, Miller, Mecklenburg county, X. C. ; Columbus, Ohio. 



(19) 

A. D. Gage, physician, >statesville, X. C. ; Geneva, X. Y. 

J. C. Burroughs, merchant, Charlotte, X". C. ; Xew Jersey. 

W. J. F. Liddell, iron manufacturer, Charlotte, X. C. ; Erie, Pa. 

H. G. Whiting, painter, Mooresville, X. C. ; Massachusetts, 25th Massachu- 
setts Volunteers and Capt. 2d Ohio ll'vy Art'y. 

Wm. Sproules, tailor, Charlotte, X. C. ;Xew York, second lieutenant Company 
1, 10th X'^evv York Infantry. 

A. Hagan, farmer, Xewton, X. C. ; Frederick, Md. 

Henry Brown, farmer, Catawba county, X. C. ; X'^ew York. 

Geo. A. Fage, carriage maker, Mooresville, X''. C. ; Xew York City. 

S.J. Warren, gold miner, Mecklenburg county, X. C; Cold Spring, Put- 
nam county, X. Y. 

Fred. II. Cusliing, iron moulder, Lincolnton, X. C. ; Ilartland, Vt., sergeant 
Company C, 58th Massachushetts A'olunteers. 

A. 11. Simonton, Statesville. X. C; Stateu Island, X. Y. 

E. R. Bardeen, planter, Aiken, S. C.;Xew York. 

AVm. Lewis, gold miner, Mecklenburg county, X. C. ; Askam,IiUzerne county, 
Pa. 

Jas. Ludlum, dairy farmer, Charlotte, X. C. ; Deckertown, X. J. 

G. W. Carr, dairy farmer, Charlotte, X. C. ; Xorristown, Fa., Company M, 2d 
Pennsylvania Cavalry. 

Deloert L. Barker, planter, Morgantc»n, X. C. ; Springfield, Mass. 

X^. E. Johnson, farmer. Little Fiver, X. C. ; Lockhaven, Fa. 

T. Hoyt, real estate agent, Earlsville, S. C. ; Xew York City. 

Jno. Glover, engineer. Hickory, X. C. ; Washington county, X. Y., sergeant 
Company D, G5th Ohio Infantry. 

J. H. Best, farmer, Statesville, X. C; llensallaer county, X. J. 

W. L. Gilbert, farmer, Elmwood, X.C. ; l^rooklyn, X . Y. 

Jno. J. Gilbert, farmer, Elmwood, X. C; Brooklyn, X. Y. 

H.C.Hunt, merchant, Asheyille. X.C; Cincinnati, Ohio. 

H. I. Woodhouse, printer. Concord, X. C. ; Morris county, X. J. 

Fred. Fage, carriage maker. Mooresville, X. C; Xew York City. 

H.L. Bollman, farmer, Polk county, X.C; Pittsburg, Fa. 

T. A.Davis, superintendent cotton mill, Gaston county, X". C; Pennsyl- 
vania. 

H. McXamara, miller and farmer.Mt. Pleasant, X"". C ; Lima Ohio. 

Isaac Slayton, merchant, Burke county, X. C ; A\'orcester, Mass. 

Jno. T. Clark, miner, Mecklenburg'county, X. C.; Xew Haven, Conn. 

8. P. Parker, carriage maker. Statesville, X. C ; Xewark, X. J. 

S. Radcliffe, saw and plane mill, Xewbern, X. C ; Xew York Citv. 

M. O. Beatty, farmer. Concord, X. C : Pittsburg, Fa. 

S. J. Beattv, Charlotte, X. C 

Chas. B. Allen, Clerk, Charlotte, X. C, from Pliiladelphia, Fa. 

S. E. Linton, Sui>t. Charlotte Gas Liglit Co., from Philadelphia, Fa. 

W. A. Jaquins, Plasterer. Charlotte, X. C, formerly (J. M. Sergt., 150th X. Y. 
State Vols., from Hudson, X. Y. 

W. Kaufman, Merchant, Charlotte, X. C, Baltimore. 

H. ]3aumgarten,Fhotograplier, Charlotte, X. C, formerly of 0th Michigan In- 
fantry at Xew Orleans under Gen. B. F. Butler. 

A. iBaumgarten, Tobacconist, Raleigh, X. C, Baltimore. 

J. M. Mendel, Tobacconist, Charlotte, X. C, Xew York. 

II. Berwanger, Merchant, Charlotte, X. C, Washington, D. C 

L. Berwanger, Merchant, Charlotte, X. C, Georgetown, D. C. 

S. Landecker. Merchant, Charlotte, X. C, Xew York. 

OtisF.Goodwin, Farmer and Miller, Rock Hill, S. C, from Gorham, X^ew 
Hampshire. 



i20) 

By a resolution offered by Mr. A. J. Curtis, of Florida, the President 
of the Conventiou was directed to call County Conventions of Northern 
settlers to be held in each count}^ in the South, on February 15th, each 
county to ap^^oint delegates to a State Convention to be held at the 
Capital of the State, March 1st, 1879; the State Convention to appoint 
ten delegates to a general <K)iwention to bo held in Charlotte'. ^^^Q, 
July 4th, 1879. ''^..V'^'-'' : ■•.; ,;■ iw i...L 

At the evening session speeyi^hes were, niij,de by niembers of the con- 
vention and distinguished citizens of the State and city, and at 10:15 
P. M., the convention adjourned until July 4th. 1879, at noon. 



NORTH CAROLINA LETTERS. 



A. J Curtis, Bsq.jfbrmorly of jST. Y.^ engaged- 3)1 Orange culttive at 
San Mateo, Florida; and Stoclc growing., ccc at St-ftteswille^ Iredell . 
county, X. ('., gives tluHoDowing-: ■;■ • .i>M':i .. . . 

Statesville,^'. C.;''l)ec. 20tK,;'i^r9,;'' 
Major A-. Buiiwnt. 

Charlotte, N. C, 
r>EAR Sir: — Your esteemed letter of the 15th inst., enclosing circu- 
lar calling a convention, of Northern men, who have settled in the 
south, to prepare a statement for puljlication in the jSTorthern pajiers as 
to soil, climate, etc ■, and social treatment, is at hand. For reply- 1, have 
to say that I am- heartily in sympathy with the movement, which is in 
the right direction. It is lor us avIio have settled here, from the North, 
to disabuse the Northern mind of erroneous impressions as to our social 
status in the South. If they will not believe us, they will "not believe 
though One rose from the dead.'' 

. The writer has lived in the South for nearly fifteen j'^ears and. I have 
the honor to say that I never was better treated or received, either by 
business men Or in the social circle; and especially would I make honor- 
oi'able mention of the kind and sj'inpathetic' attentions of the Southerft'' 
people in time of sickness and affliction. The writer has visited every 
Southern state Init Kentuck}', has travelled in the North and West from 
Maine to Mexico: and gives, as his opinion that, all things considered, 
viz : climate, soil, accessibility to the great markets of the Atlantic 
cities, and wide range of production that this is the best countr}' I have 
3'et seen. The climate is as near perfect as one could, expect to. find, 
a medium between two. extremes, New York and Florida, except that 
being near the highest mountain range east of the Mississippi, it is 
cooler in summer than either^ — ^nights always cool and refreshing. The 



(21) 

winters are mild, with light Iklls of snow, which last onl}' for a few days,' 
and this for a very brief period. Stock can live out all winter, still it is 
best to leed them more or less for a couple of months. For sheep hus- 
bandry I consider it unsurpassed. If in Vermont it pays to keej) sheep 
and feed them nearly six months in the year, what will it not pay here, 
where it is only necessary to feed them from thirty to forty days. The 
same is ti-ue also of the dair}" business. In the products of this Pied- 
mont region we find a blending of the two .extremes of our country, all 
the ISTorthern products and some of the more hardy of the semi-tropics. 

Yevy respectfully 3'ours, 

A. J. CUETIS. , 



From Geo. B. Ilanna, Assayer of U. S. Branch Mint at Charlotte, X. C 

Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 15, 1879. 
A\ Dumont, JEsq.^ Charlotte, AT. C 

My Dear Sir :— My stay here has been prolonged be^'ond the time 
I had thought, and I shall not be able to return to niy residence, at 
Charlotte, for some two or three days, and hence shall miss the Conven- 
tion of Northern Settlers called for to-day. Were I in Charlotte I shoud 
participate in its proceedings- I beg leave, therefore, to assure yon by 
letter of ray best wishes for your success in removing misconceptions of 
ill-treatment It is only common justice for me to say that in nine 
years residence in North Carolina I have received kindness on every 
hand, and have made as many and as cordial friends as in any ])]ace, 
except among my immediate relations. 

Trusting" that your ettorts ma}^ succeed in sending abroad that i))- 
formation, which shall lead.to juster views, I am 

vr /• »vri Yerv trulv yours, 

^ GEOEGE B. IIANNA. 



Hon. Clinton A, Cilley, formerly pf Mass., and one of the State judgeshi 
1868, now an Attorney at Law at Lenoir, Caldwell county, N. C., 
writes : 

Lenoir, N. C, Dec. 21, 1878. 
A. JDumont, Esq. 

Dear Sir : — Serious illness in my familv has hindered my acknowl- 
edging 3'our circular heretofore. I now wri^e to sa}' that I cordial!}' 
approve of your suggestions and to answer the question proposed. , 

I am from New Market, Ncav Hampshire, whence I AventtoBeston: 
Mass., and after graduation at Harvard College, went to Minnesota. 1 
enlisted in Co. C, 2d Minnesota Yol. as a soldier, was 2d Lieut., 1st Lieut, 
and Captain of that company, and commissioned ^lajor of the Eegiment, 
whi^h last I declined to accept. Commissioned as Captain and A. A.G., 
was afterwards Major and A. A. G. and Lieut. Col. and Col. bj^ brevet. 
From April, 18G5 to Sept., 18G6, I was on duty in North Carolina, and 
during the last part of my service here was brouglit into familiar con- 
tact with the people of AVestern North Carolina. T like-l them and the 



(22) 

climate so much that on being mustered out I settled in this place, ob- 
tained my law license, and with the exception of a brief term of service 
as Judge in 1878 ; have ever since jDracticed my pi-ofession in this and 
the adjoining counties. I have crossed the Blue Kidge night and day 
scores of times, have attended courts in the wildest mountain counties. 
a,nd am well acquainted with the manners and morals of our people in 
this section. I was well known to have been an ex-yankee officer, and 
have never pretended to be ashamed of my old uniform. 

Under these circumstances I can gladly say that I have been con- 
stantly, and I believe, sincerely ti'eated with the utmost courtesy and 
regard. I have never had an uncivil word or blow, have been freely 
admitted to the best society, have never been questioned as to politics 
or the war, save when I showed that such conversation would be agree- 
able to me, and have been welcomed by all I met, on the ground that I 
had thrown in my lot among the citizens of the State and was working 
to build up the community. 

I know of no state or town where caj^ital would be safer or more 
gladly welcomed and protected, or where a stranger, from the North, of 
any political opinion, who comes intending to live and work hei'e, as the 
rest of us live and work, would be in better odor ; 3'et I heartily appreci- 
ate, also, the contempt with which a few bad men from our army have 
inspired the good people of the State by their reckless self-seeking 
and attempts to revive and rekindle the dying embers of the late war, 
by pandering to the credulity and passion of the suddenly freed negroes. 

If I can, I will be at the proposed convention. 

Truly, C. A. CILLEY. 



From L. 'N. Wilcox, formerly a Pennsylvania soldier, now and for 

eight years a merchant at Lynn, Polk county, N. C. : 

Lynn, N. C, Dec. 17th, 1878. 
Mr. N. Dumont, Charlotte, iV. C, 

Dear Sir : — Your letter of Dec. l-lth to hand. I cannot at present 
see my way clear to be in Charlotte on Jan. 15th, but will put myself 
on record as you desire. 

I I am a native of Pittsburgh, Penn., was a member of E. B. Hamp- 
ton's Independent Battery Pennsj^lvania Volunteers. Have resided in 
my present location about eight 3*ears. Politics on national questions 
Eepublican, but on State affairs Conservative, as tvhite home rule is the 
only hope of the south. 

I can cheerfully testif}^ to the uniform kindness of all parties with 
whom I have had business or social relations, and do not think my be- 
ing a native of a Northern state has been any disadvantage to me. 

As to climate and soil, speaking of the Piedmont region I think the 
climate unsurpassed and the soil on bottom lands very rich, uplands 
moderate, but owing to climate, the value of products per acre, exceed in 
money value, those of the rich fields of Kansas and Minnesota. 

I annex the names of Northern settlers who can be referred to by 



(23) 

letter or otherwise all within live miles of my location, and we want 
more, manufacturers especially, w'ho can obtain water power /ree of cost 
and of unlimited amounts. Names of settlers : 

Dr. Wm. Stimson, New York, Landrums, S. C. ; A. Chrisman, 
Pennsylvania, Columbus, N. C. ; A. Haman, Michigan, Lynn, N. C. ; 
T. Hoyt, New York, Earlesville, S. C. ; S. J. Wood, Pennsylvania, Lynn, 
N. C. ; Eev. A. N. Iveigwin, Iowa, Wilmington, Del. 

The latter has purchased a location on the Thermal Belt and will 
make it a sunamer residence, while residing permanently at Wilming- 
ton, Del. Yours respt, 

L. N. WILCOX. 



Gilbert Bros, merchants and farmers in Iredell county, N. C, formerly 

of Brooklyn, N. Y., writes from 

Congers, Iredell Co., N. C, Dec. 20th, 1878. 
iV. Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, N. C, 

Dear Sir: — In reply to your circular of the 14th inst., my brother 
and I will come to the Convention. We take very much interest in any- 
thing that w^ill be of benefit to the country, and will do all in our power 
to aid and forward the movement. 

We both came here from Brooklyn, New York State. I, over four 
and my brother over three years ago, and can both say heartil}^ that we 
could not have been better treated had we been among our friends in 
place of strangers. 

So far as it being a detriment to a man, his coming from the North 
is, in our estimation, rather a benefit than otherwise, provided he comes 
for legitimate business, whether agricultural or otherwise, and not as (I 
am sorry to say) many of our Northern brethren have, to make all they 
can out of a downtrodden people in a political way. 

I think energetic measures should be taken to counteract the libels 
put upon these people. 

You can count on us for all the influence we can bring to bear upon 
the questions at issue and believe us ever heartily yours in this cause. 

J. J. & W. L. GILBERT. 



H. S. Lucas, capitalist, formerl}- of Brooklyn, N. Y., now of Franklin, 

Macon county, N. C, writes : 

Franklin, N. C, Jan. 1st, 1879. 
jY. Dumont, Esq., Ckniiotte, N. C, 

Dear Sir : — Your circular bearing date Dec. 2.5th, is before me. I 
first visited North Carolina April, 1875, coming directly into the 
Mountains, having no friend or acquaintances in tl:e State, searching for 
Corundum, a mineral used in the place of Emery. I was received in the 
kindest manner and had everj^ assistance desired. In April, 1877, I 
again visited the same locality with my wife and lady companion, an 
Artist. The grandeur and magnificence of the Mountain scenery no 
word can delineate. The scenes (to my mind) were perfect in setting 



(24) 

and detail, and I determined to place them on canvas. Two large and 
beautiful paintings are now in Brooklyn, as the : result ' of' this Artist'.s 
work. Dui-ing the summer and autumn of 1877 I journeyed over a 
large portion of Western North Carolina on horseback,- arid most of the 
tinie eritirely alone.: Also Middle Alabama ; passing through and spend- 
ing sometime in Georgia. March 8th, 1878 I went, rcith my wife and 
lady companion to Tallapoosa county, Alabama, spending five months, 
living with the planters and riding over the country searching for min- 
eral. June 20th, 1878, I returned to North Carolina. Traveling' all the 
summer and autumn in North and South Carolina, staying and sleeping 
with the farmers. ■ I liiive invested five thousand dollars in a Corundum 
Mine including six hundredacres of land. During all this time we have 
. met with nothing but respect and kindness, and if one does not secure 
friends in the South, it will be because he does not deserve them, .. Any 
person minding their own business is as safe from insult or harm as in 
c-ity of Springfield, or any jmrt of Mass^achusetts. The South is limit- 
less in its amount of mineral wealth, its rich la,nds and, healthful ,cli- 
i]p,;ate8. , The land is cheap; some of the finest I ever saw can be had for 
iep doliars an acre. As a winter residence Middle Alabama surpasses 
ajiything I have- ever seen. ' I was not in the army: but ha;vc talked 
freely with hundreds on the war, of its ca,uses and effects, have heard no 
CQmplaints, defiance or threats against. the North. Politically I have 
expressed my opinions freely as in Massa.chusetts. J, v.-as an aboUtion-c 
;i§t"befpj"e the,>var,. a republican, since. The whole difiiculty is with ths 
poiiticuins and political papers, and with such the Southern farijiers ha- 
^;o more sympathy^. than the Ngrthern man. It offers the finest Ojjer 
tunities for the' investment of Northern capital, intelligence and indus- 
Iry ev.qr opened in tl^e history of the CQiWtry. . 

. jif pqssible I shili bq.dn Charlotte. , .Fearing-, that I fljay^ j;^pt) a^ I 
expect 10 go North on business soon, 1 send thi^. \ .-.,,■ i,,^ ,,,.. 

Yours very truly, , 
,11. S. LUCAS. 



Jbhi^'F.Engie. lived Spu^ home to, ''4ght in the 

FedpraJ aifmy avid g^fter the war came South, read his testimony : 

' ' . Enfield, N. C. Dec. 28th, 1878. 

Mi'DuMont, Esq., Charlotte, ISI. 0., 

Dear Sir : — Your circular received. Can't be, present at your Con- 
vention. Will comply -with your i-equest. I came from New Jersey in 
1857, (am from Quaker stock) to North Garoliiia. Staid until the war 
commenced, was so bittealy opposed', to secession, that in 18G1 I went 
home where I could find kindred spirits. Was, with the Army of the 
Potomac until the surrender at x'Vi)pomattox, em]iloyed as Photograi)hcr. 
Caaho immediately back to this State and stopped in Greensboi-.o until 
fall,;: iTioved my family then to Florida, then to (feorgia, then to Ohio ; 
and last pctober twelve months ago moved to Raleigh which is now 
my home. Have traveled aiuMvorked in twenty-nine counties in the 



(25) 

..'.'. . ,H! •■'! ■;".ii-' ■ ' ■ ■ !■■ ■■ ■ ■ ■'■ ■■' ' >■■■ 

Stiite, fi'oiu the east to the extreiae west,, aiafJiiaveanrexibcraBiveaequaink' 
tance, ,:A11 liavc treated me covdially and shown n\o evoiy attention. 
Kavenoyer votpd but once in my life, then Ibr Fremont and Dajrton. 
I find a sober honest niaji is as much thought of iia this vState, (if he was 
an honest Union soldier) as at home. jN^o better prospects for the farm- 
er, niechanip, or the man of nipi^jsy to invest,thanjSforth. Carolina. Soil 
ofanyJ^ind. dlMnate; all that; one, cK)uld wish. IIay<^ been thi'ough the. 
West and tiiid the Sonth,.and its, people j«;0r<;.e©ilgQiiiail'ityf''3ne .thiaiiiaivf • 
• ^theiv^ection T e^'cr- ii\-i^d in. l~Jospectfnlly; ,.- ; . i, i ' ■ 

From te John \Vdb^lHmlse,'^rmerh- u-'X. .v J •.>.;, ; mv Mt<'r'o/' ho- 

•'Register at Oondord, j^. 0. 
X. Dirmont, Esq., ChaHotte, N. C. 

Dear. Sir: — Your cii'cidar on haml. The nioVqnieiii meetti. ^tli 
my heiirt^" approval. I will attend the Convention oh t'lic IStli inst. 
I have been a resident (jf the South 12 years, and (except for 8 months in 
AlabaWa) all of the time in the three counties of Mecklenburg, Lincoln 
and Cabarrus in ISTorth Carolina. M}' experience with the Souther]! : 
]ieople has been the happiest part of my life. M3' son and several others 
from Concord will attend'. ' TVe feel that it is the happiest thought sug- 
gested since .i'econ^truction, and initst result in great good, not" only to 
the Soutli ])i'.t to the Avhole nation in correcting false ihipressionr,. * ' 

Yours. TKO. WOOBJTOtJSB. 



E. T:'Ml5SDli;'lfernibi'*l'i?'8flA'hn, Mass., Writes: 

,,,_,,, :..,u>!.> AsHPYiL^.E,M:^f.C'biQt5p, Ptb,il878i :/)■; 

X. Buniont,.C%artottc, jS.,.C;'-, ■■,'(• • ■ ••• .1:!! 1 >'< ■■■ ■■'■ '' 

Dear Sir: — Your circular in reference to the hqlding of the "'Con- 
vention of Xorthorn incn," came duly to hand. 

I camq here from L3'nu, Mass., last May, and am extremely well 
pleased with the climate, the soil and the people of Western ^NTorth 
Carolina. The people. are hospitable and sqeial, and hai'bor no bitter- 
ness of feeling for northerners. The climate, is from every c^-idence yet 
shown, superior to any other section of country of its size on this con- 
tinent, and the soil is capable of almost any result in good skillful hands — 
turnishing now to its occupants (what is tilled) a good return with 
H'arcely any labor and less brain work. 

The diversified interests to which this region is adapted, and its 
nearness to markets, renders it a superior State for immigrants, and 
must eventually become a coveted spot for capitalii^ts and people seek- 
ing rural honies. At present so far as I can learn, there is no place 
North, East or AYest where peoi^lc can obtain a living more easily, 
cheaper or better than here. Men competent in almost any mechanical 
pursuit, and farmers with very little capital, can secure a home and good 
living. Capitalists, in our opinion, could not find a safer place for in- 



(26) 

vestment. Both labor and capital are only needed to metamorphose 
this region to almost a paradise on earth. 

Quite a number of Northern immigrants have arrived in this sec- 
tion in the last few months. Each one that has come has sent back 
encouraging words to their fi'iends in the North, and we anticipate see- 
ing many more this coming Spring. 

I like your idea of the Convention, and regret that my business is 
such that it will be impossible for me to be there. It will inaugurate a 
new era in the South, and we certainly hope all will be realized from it 
that is desired, so that in the future a check may be put to the many 
slanderous newspaper squibs which infest the Northern press. 

I had no personal participation in the late war. 

Much more might be said of the many advantages of the South for 
Northern immigrants. I hope a hearty response will be made to this 
movement by all Northern men now in the south, if it is only a word : 
and think that such response will have its reward. 

If this is of any value, make what use of it you wish ; and I bid 
you Godsjieed. Yours truly, 

E. Y. EUSSELL. 



T. A. Davis, formerly of Chester, Penn., now Supt. of Mt. Holly Cotton 
Mills, at Woodlawii, Gaston county, N. C, writes: 

WooDLAWN, N. C, Dec. 24th, 1878. 
N. Buinont, Esq., CharloW'. N. C. 

Dear Sir: — Y'ours of Dec. 18th received and contents noted, Ithink 
the step 3"ou have taken in this matter is one in the right direction. I 
have long thought that something of this kind should be done, and Sir. 
what assistance I can render in a matter of so much importance isfi'eely 
offered. I will attend at the appointed time if sickness don't prevent. 

I have been in this State three years. My former residence was at 
Chester, Penn. I did not serve in either army. 

Yqy\ respectfully, 

T. A. DAVIS. 



A. E. Bradeen, formerly 9th Maine Infantry, now a minei\ resident at 

Monroe, Union countv. N. C, writes : 

Monroe. N. C, Dec. 23rd, 1878. 
N. Ihimont, Esq., Charlotte, A, C. 

Dear Sir: — Yours of the 14th inst. to hand. I have been from 
home for the past two weeks, hence the delay in answering 3-our letter. 
Nothing would give me more ])leasiire than meeting you and other 
Northern men in Charlotte on Jan. 15th, but it will be impossible for 
me to meet you, as my business will not permit me to leave, but I will 
say to all of our Northern brethren to come to North Carolina ; you will 
receive a hearty welcome. I have lived in North Carolina since the 
war, and I would not give its climate and soil for any other State in the 
Union. The newspapers may bladge and blow about the people, but I 



(27) 

ask 110 better treatment from any people than I have received at the 
hands of North Carolinians. I was a Union soldier, served four j'ears 
and three months in Co. E, 9th Maine Vols, and some of my most inti- 
mate friends are men who I have faced in battle, now they stick as close 
as a brother. Who could not live among such people, I do hope that 
the day is not far distant w^hen all strife between the tAvo sections will 
be no more, and Avheii they know each other thei-e will be the end. 

Youi-9. truly, 

A. E. BKADEEX. 



S. T. Kelsey, an immigrant from Kansas, and settled in Macon county, 

N. C, writes thus': 

Highlands, Macon Co., 'N. C„ Dec. 18, 1878. 
2Ir. A\ Bumont, Charlotte. N. C, 

Dear Sir: — Yours of the 11th and 16th received. Am very glad 
to hear from you and fully appreciate the objects of the proposed con- 
vention ; but will not be able to attend. We will get up a statement 
setting forth our treatment in this country and get a goodly number of 
Northern people, located here since the war to sign it. We may be able 
to get some of our folks to go to the meeting. 

I was brought up in New York State ; lived 10 yeare in Kansas, and 
came here from Kansas ; was not in the TJnion army, but a Union man 
and a Republican. Have always been well treated here and free to talk 
and vote as I pleased, as I believe all other Northern people have in this 
part of the country, 

But for the fear of not being well treated, I believe there would be an 
immense immigration to the South. And the feeling Avill be very hard 
to overcome. The Republican pa]iers North and the Democratic papers 
South will try to keep up the strife for ])oUtical purposes — as I fear — 
'till after the next presidential election. We may do something to coun- 
teract these adverse influences, and I am ready to aid so for as I am 
able. Truly yours, 

S- T. KELSEY. 

[A statement from this colony will be found in Appendix.] 



J. H. Marsh, Postmaster at Lincolnton, a Union man through the war, 

writes : 

Lincolnton, Lincoln Co., N. C. Dec. 24th, 1878. 
X. Dumont; Esq., Charlotte, JV. C., 

Dear Sir : — Your circular of the 14th came to hand.. I was born 
in England, emigrated to Berkshire County, Mass. in 1849 — married 
there. That event only makes me half a yankee. Moved to North 
Carolina in 1855. I pass with most of our people here for a yankee, 
however. I am very much interested in your object and meeting. As 
my business causes me to travel over a great part of Western North 
Carolina, I have become well acquainted with a great many of her peo- 
ple, and have alwaj's been treated with kindness^ notwithstanding I 



(28) 

have always differed with them in polities, and have always taken Ee- 
publican papers before the war and since. My candid opinion is that 
any Northern man can naake piore by farming and stock raising, and 
make it easier, in Western North Carolinia, than ho can in any other 
part of our country. Climate is sucli that he can work out of doors 
most all winter. The Avater is just as good as can be found 'in ISTeAv 
England. Imjiroved farms can be obtained very cheap ; as to soil he 
can find most all kinds, and well tiihhere(l ; he can find pl^ntj" of farms 
for sale in most of the Western counties. 

As to social treatment, I have always been treated well with the 
mass of the people. He must not expect to find the mass of the people 
as well educated as the Isovc Englandev. If he " will act well his part, 
there all the honor lies. '■■ Will ho glad to answer any questioii you or 
otheys would wishlp ask. Yourstrul_y, 



./I ,.(' 



J. If. MAESH,,P. M. 



.bM/( ruo/— sairi HhAii 

Thos. .]. CongeH fai-mer and capitalist in Ired^l^ l:'5flnf3*;^If;"^.,'f'itn'd un- 
til four years aigfV coiiiiected with the American Bible Soeiet}', vrritcs 
from his homo {^it C5()'B^^i^''k,'N. C.:' .'i';i>. j. 

A tr/. ..i ■[,,// ,; CoNGERri's' iNii'>Cl., >bec. 21st, 1878. 
X Duinont, Esq., Charlotte, K. 6'.,' ■' ' '' ■ / '-i^-'^ ■"> • 

Dear Sir:— Yours of the ISthl^Aiaio to hialld. ' ;'I estitio down hero 
by the advice of my phtsiciA]!, foilr "s'V^ars ago last spring. I had for 
fifteen years previous been ^onliectod with the American Bible 8ocie-ty 
Bil)le liousi?, New York City. My health became improved alter I was 
here one year. 1 liked the place and people, and was so well pleased I 
sold some of my valuable jn-operty I had in Brookly, N. Y., and on the 
lludfSon, and invested it iii'real estate and mort<;-ages in this and Eowan 
coilBty. I call say I have received the greatest kindness from the peo- 
ple, and can say .that the opinion I had before I camo, and that the 
most of the Nf)rthern people l>elieTC;' that because a man came from the 
North he woxild not be respcctfidly received l>y the people of the South, 
is a great mistake. I -\vas not in the Fecfcral Army, for the reason that 
my health vvas So |)<)oi'. T a])i)i'ove of the (\)nvention because it is to 
spread the truth. ' Yerv trulv yours, 

tliOS. J. CONG^EE. 

From Y. K. .'^poai', :i Kansas and JMassachusotts soldier and republicaii. 
now in Asheviile, N. (_'., merchant. 

Asin-^.viLLE, N. C, Pee 30th. 1878. 
X. Dumont, Esq.. Choi-Mte. N. C. 

Dear Sir : — Your circular letter of 18th instant came dulj' to hand. 
I regret exceedingly my inability to meet you on that occasion; because, 
r will be in Nevr York on that day on imjjortant busiiiess. I am con- 
vinced the tneeting will be of ij;i'eatl»enefit to all who will be present, 
and also to the South, and the countrv at hvrge. I glndly write of my 



(29) 

experience here, since I. came South, and give you my views of matters 
suggested by you. ... iT' i.. < ,i; : ■• . ■ /> •=- :; ^ , i' ■ .. 

■ I am a native of tha State of Maine; served in the 2nd Kansas and 

38lh Mass. Inliintrv;, also in Veteran Reserve Corps during the Eebellion. 

■■'.: Since the close of the war I have resided in Massachusetts until 

.October; 1874, wh.eu on accoun;t,of ill. health, I, removed to thii^ ;plaee 

. rwith my family.' . 1 i J . f ,;it . ,'»»!'. ■■■ •!;;.irffn'' orl ■ r ^Mf)?-;.- <;• i;»>"*<lft n" : 

f As to. sociali tirpatment of- Xotth^rn people here, I kai^w .of uo 
notable difference between this and a Northern oommunity ; as tor my- 
self and family, we can testify to a cordial welcome on Our arrival, have 
yeeu nu indications of social ostracism on account of nativity, politics 
or religion, and we regard many of our acquantances .here as aipong 
the most agreeable we have met in anv communityj . •- Sk 

, I am a Republican in politics, but take no active part at any time — 
•fcelmg that under the present managenient of parties it is a dix-ty busi- 
ness at best — but vote, because it is a dlit}" I owe as an American citizen, 
and exercise my judgment as to which is the least of evils tobeeiulurefl. 

The climate, of Weatern North Caroliiia is in my judgment, tin besi 
on this continent. 

Asheville is situated on a plateau l^etweeu the Blue, and Siuoky 
raiiges of the Alleghany, and is 2,250 feet above the level of the sea. 
Ail this immediate region is mountainous, and well watered by the 
French Bi'oad river, and its tributaries. The temperature rearly ex- 
ceeds 85° in the summer, and docs not often fall to zero iu the winter. 
The atmosphere is dry and invigorating. , , 

Permit me right here to tell the story (,)f our fruit attainmejit and 
let the same tell of possibilities, by inserting here a letter of Mr. Nalt 
Atkin.son. (who resides here and whose fruit has a natioj)al reputation,; 
written to Mr. P. Barry, chairman of the general fruit committee of the 
American pomological society — it tells the facts so much better than 1 
•i«n and so much briefer that I think it best just t<j give the whole letter : 

"Our elevation above the tide-water, from 2,000 feet in our valle^.'-. 
to G,700 feet, our highest point (Mount Mitcliell.) together with our 
.southern latitude, makes this, in my opinion, the finest fruit ciijnate un- 
der the sun. "We are tree from the extremes of heat and cold, with a 
.most delightful climate, noted for its evenness and temperature, and 
thivS, together with our long seasons for growing, brings fruits 'to. great 
perfec-tion, not only as to size but in quality as well. 

"Notwithstanding this great bounty bestowed ni)On us by ii;.lur<' 
for fruit groAving, that l)usiness i'rom any intelligent stavid poii\t can 
hardly' be said to be in its infiancy yet. After a manner, however, v><' 
have raised fruit, and for the last fifty veal's you could hardly go to u 
farm house where you did not find one or two, and sometimes more, 
varieties of fine apples. Every one who saAv them (strangers) was 
astonished at their great size and fine flavor, but in consequence of our 
remoteness from nutrkct, no one cared to raise more than was necessary 
for home consumption. Our surplus M-as dispotit^l of I'v l)eiiig hauled 



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in wagons to Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and the eastern por- 
tion of this State — often a distance of a hundred miles or more ovei* 
rough roads — where their superiority always commanded the highest 
price ; sometimes as much as five dollars iper bvshel. But within the last 
ten years railroads have been gradually approaching us, until now we 
are about to witness the completion of two fine railroad lines, crossing 
each other at this place, which will be completed in about twelve 
months. 

" Since this better state of things has been nearing us, Ave have 
been buying and planting more extensive orchards of different kinds of 
fruits, of the finer and more improved varieties. A few of these here 
and there have come into bearing, and it has thus been demonstrated 
that the same varieties grown here are larger and of finer quality than 
they are on any other portion of the globe. To illustrate this fiact, I will 
mention that I have seen specimens of the Fall Pippin that weighed 
twenty-six and a half ounces ; Buckingham or Eqninetely twenty-two 
ounces ; Bujf' twenty-four" ounces ; Twenty Ounce Pippin twenty-four 
ounces, and other varieties in proportion, and this too on standard trees, 
and without an}^ special Cfure or attention." 

Not only are our apples of stiperior size and quality, but the same 
may bo said of peaches, pears,, plums, cherries and the small fruits. 
Grapes rarely rot in aruy portion of this high elevation. Here we 
never have a failure of apples, and on our thermal belts (about three 
hundred feet above the valleys on the mountain sides,.) the j^each seldom 
fails, as it is free fi-om frost, except in mid-winter. On no portion of the 
globe is there pre^iented to fruit growers and pomologists such a field 
for their enteqtrise and operations. We are in the midst of the south 
with a market for our fine fruit in every direction, east, west, north and 
south. We want men experienced in the business, and with capital 
suiRcient to go forward at once, and a few years will demonstrate what 
I have asserted as our merit in this resj^ect. Our lands are cheap (from 
$1 to $10 per acre,) and w^e have the finest climate and purest water 
that providence has given to any portion of the American Continent.. 
Our inhabitants are unusually peaceable and law-abiding, and will wel- 
come good citizens from any portion of the globe. It will afford me 
pleasure to give in detail any inforination that I may be able to import,^ 
relative to the country, to those who may address me at this place.." 

We have no fever and ague here, and a mosquito is a curiosity in 
Asheville. Our winters are short,, and are variable as to time, and 
amount of snow, and rainfall, as is common in all mountainous regions.. 
The nights- here are always cool,, in summer and winter. S>prin.gs of 
fine water are abundant 

The scenery is grand, and rugged, and of great variet}' — ^and this 
feature is one of the reasons for the large number of visitors who come 
here for health and plersure. 

The soil is genei'ally good au'd productive, and much of it is very 
rich -^ but it is generally badly cultivated, wke-ia judged from noi-irbern. 



(31) 

modes of ftirmin^. Landn can be bought in Weatern North Carolina at 
50c to 40.00 per acre. 

All kinds of grains, grasses and roots are raised here — and its to- 
bacco crop is second to none in quality ; while the apples have a nation- 
al reputation. All fruits (except tropical,) are raised here in abundance. 
The mountains are covered with timber, consisting of many kinds of 
oak, hickory, pine, locust, cherry, chestnut, black and white walnut, ash, 
Birch, beach, &c., &c. 

I am tirmly of the opinion that the average native does not work 
more than six months in the year. I believe in colonies because I am 
convinced by personal observation that the individual soon drifts into 
the "slip-shod " ways and habits of the native. 

This section is peculiarly adapted to stock raising, and in a colony. 
Dogs, the great nuisance of North Carolina, could be abated and sheep 
raising would become a great industry here. 

We need a Bank in Asheville, more than any other appliance to 
business interests. We need a good hotel kept in the best manner; but 
to do it right, the proprietor, manager and servants must be importetl. 

With all our natural resources, good climate, kindly ieeling of the 
people toward those who come here with the piirpose of becomino- per- 
manent citizens. The great abundance of water-power, minerals, pro- 
fusion of timber, productive lands, &c., &C. 1 cannot but think that 
northern capital and labor will be productive of good results, and make 
happy homes for thousands who are seeking homes in the South. 

I have given you some of the most important ideas which have oc- 
curred to me. I wish I could have the pleasure of meeting you in the 
Convention to express myself more fully. 

I am yours very truh', 

V. K. 8PEAE. 



Facts as to products })er acre near Goldsboro, N. C, bv Capt. Geo. S. 
Campbell, of the old 25th Massachusetts Vols., and for some time a 
Eevenue Officer in North Carolina, now at Goldsboro, N. C. 

GoLDSBORO, N. C, Dec. 30th, 1878. 
i\''. Duniont, Esq., Charlotte, iV. C 

Dear Sir : — The circular, with your signature, received. I was 
born and raised in Worcester county, Mass., lived the most of mj' life in 
Worcester. Served in 3d Batt'n. Eifles as private under under Chas. 
Devens, Jr., 3 months troops, commissioned as 1st Lieut. Co. D, 25th 
Massachusetts Vol. Infty. Had command of said Company from Feb. 
8th, 1862, until Feb. or March, 1863. Since have resided in New Berne, 
N. C, most of the time, until 1870, when I came to this place as Asst. 
Assessor V. S. Internal Eevenue, then as Deputy Collector^ and lastly 
as U. S. Ganger, and noM* in Mercantile business. 

Capital in the South can be used to as much W(!lvantage't{^ in the 
North. I would advise those having small capital, to buy what land 
they can pay for. and make truck farms, but do n6t attempt it if vou 



(32) 

have to run in debt. Peas, Beans and. Cucumbers pay itgraiit (ij|. good- 
seasons) from S25,to ^lOOi^er acr« I cleared on one- acre, of. Q^cunybers 
last year over $100, on two acres of Snap Beans aiid four .acres, of. E^rlj . 
Garden Peas, not oyer ^25., Strawberries after tbe 1st year pay froin 
85Q to ,$300 per acre, cost of setting out about $5.0 per acre. ..Xiandin 
this vicinity is worth from 810 to $50 per acre, according to quality and 
nearness to Eailroads. Plenty of it for sale, as raising cottoii at present 
prices, cannot be done .lyith profit. The greatest.d^wbjaG^iUftl^fg part 
of the .State is giving mortgages for supplies. . , v ■ , ■ ,: -t • 
When I first came to this place, holding an office, and not kuo.wji, , 
I was, with a few exceptions, let alQne, but since I have idenlifibd .my-- . 
self with the place I lijive no cau^e to complain. , . M3:.^.eif and iapiily 
have been, well, re.qeived anid>w ell .treated. .1 was ^Iso ejiec^ed to the,- 
Captaincy of the "(xoldsboro Eift^p,'.'-, also, ^ r^-elected, vvhieh I cousider 
as a maj'jkjfif'.respe^tj ^nove espp,cialiy -^s I^am a Eepubliqan. , .^oii^yiow 
have my,',^''afe'6'befQ},y2.y(^u.', 3^,am,:^eryi^ppctfuiiy yours,, r- .'f.'in ■- ■■.'<;>(■ 

GEO. S. CAMi»BELL. 



M. B. prince,, ibrmerly , of kSchuy ler count}", !N, T,i no\Y , a . , lii,rHic.:^* , . i^i, 
Forsythe count}', 'N. C., shows ,wb,at caii be.don^ on 5.0 a^rps, . „, 

Brookston, Z!ir;.)j0;j>-3^eQ.>81st, 1(878; '. 
Mr. M- Vumont, Cluniotte, lY. C, •' '■..,■:!;!'-,■.'■■!■' .Mm-. , 

Dear Sir: — Your circular received and road. I would be nipf'fe 
happy to visit Charlotte at the time mentioned, but will be unable to do so. 
As to the objects of the proposed Convention.: .lean say for myself that 
the natives have treated myself and family with as much kindnes.s and ' 
respect as strangers could expect to receive. There seems to be no ill 
feeling towards yaukees, and all A^'ith whom I have talked are as free 
to condemn the wrongs committed by the Confederacy as those perpe- 
trated b}'. the forces of the Government. The main purpose for which 
I came South, was the improvement of the health of a consumptive 
memlter of my lamily. That object hasbeen obtained, even more than 
we hoped, in tact almost a perfect recovery. In this part of the State ■ 
we do not find the soil as strong as that of our native place in AVestern 
'New York, yet after a ti'ial of three years we are learning now better 
to manage it, so that when it has been much impoverished Vy careless 
cultivation and constant cropping.; wo can produce paying crops. The , 
practice. of keeping little or no stock, by letting the manure be Avasted ; 
in the v/oods and old fields,, Avhere the cattle, hogs, &q., pick up a preca-;- 
rious livelihood the whole year rpund, is all wrong, and of necessity . 
brings the small farmer to the poor house. I practice soiling in a small • 
way, and by that means am enabled to make considerable manure. I 
apply to my little farm of 50 improved acres more home-made, ma- 
nure than some of my neighbors on ten times that number of acres. , In 
this vicinity Ave are considerably engaged in fruit growing; more 
peaches and grapes than any other, though some are cultivatiing straw- 
berries and other fruits. Though fruit does not pay the big profits of 



(33) 

war times it is fairly remunerative, 8o much so as aiiv thing in the^e 
hard times. 

I have been here three years, eanie troni Schuyler county, N. Y. 
Was never in the army. Please send me report of Convention, ai;d 
should you decide to publish in circular form would be glad to absist. iu 
the distribution. Yours Trulv, 

M. B. PEINCE. 



From John Hinman, formerly of New York, Avho foutrhtundt-r RcynoldtJ 

and Meade, now a farmer in North Carolina. 

EiDGEWAY, N. C Dec. 28th. 1878. 
JV. Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, JV. C, 

Dear Sir : — I have to-day received your circular. I believe you 
are taking a step in the right direction. If Northern pt'oplc come Soutb, 
it must be chiefly through the efforts of Northern peoplt^ already hav- 
ing homes in the South. The persistent efforts of some politicians and 
papers to keep the "bloody shirt" constantly before the Noi'thern people, 
not only does the South a great wrong, but injures, in moi"e ways than 
one, those of us who have made our homes among the Southern people. 

It would afford me great pleasure to attend your Convention, but I 
cannot be from home at that time. I am a native of New York State, 
have lived a number of years in Pennsylvania, and moved to this State 
from Pennsylyania four years ago, lived one year in Raleigh and three 
years at this place. I was a Lieut, in Co. H, 6th Eegt. Pennsylyanii* 
Reserve Corps, and served under both Reynolds and Meade. 

I have done something in Real Estate here, and have induced sev- 
eral families to come out, but owing to the extreme '-hard tinies," and. 
also the great amount of prejudice existing towards the South, I have 
tried but little during the jrear. But for two yeai*s I wrote regularly to 
several papers in New York, and I had a very extensive correspondence. 

We have a splendid climate in this State ; good water ; a soil easily 
brought up ; abundance of timber, water power and minerals, and pro- 
duce a variety of crops of fruits second to no other State, and are at the 
very doors of the best markets in the World, and all we lack is working 
men and eapital to develope these natural resurces. If your Convention 
can devise ways and means to bring people South, you will accomplifeh 
a great and good work. I shall be glad to hear from you at any time, 
and especially after your meeting in January, and I will be glad to co- 
operate with you in any way in my power to bring about the object 
sought. Very trulv vours. 

JOHN HINMAN. 



Geo. F. Scott, formerly of the old 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, wants hie 

friends to come to North Carolina. 

AsHEViLLE, N. C. Jan. 2nd, 1878. 
JV". Bumont, Charlotte, iY, C, 

My Dear Sir: — Your kind favor of the 18th has been received. I 
am sorry to inform you that I shall be unable to meet with you at the 



(34) 

Convention. I believe it will prove a success, and maj God speed the 
work. You and I know that the South possesses advantages which will 
some day, and that not far distant, place her in advance oftherestof 
the country. I came from NeAvton, Massachusetts, was in the Federal 
Army during the war, in the 1st Massachussetts Cavalry, Co. C. . I find 
that my Southern brethren have accepted the results of the war, and 
are now trying to improve and build up their country. They welcome, 
with open hands, all who come to help them — never asking your politics 
— only if you are an honest and worthy Inan. I number among my 
best friends some who have served in the Southern Army. When I 
think of the thousands in my old State who are struggling to keep above 
want, if they only knew the advantages which this countiy has for them 
to get comfortable homes, and a fair compansation for their labor, they 
would not hesitate long in coming here. I came here last March and 
was successful in finding business as soon its I : arrived. The climate 
here is the best that I have ever seen. That, combined with the cheap- 
ness of living, and a growing place, makes it a desirable place to immi- 
grate to. Wishing you great success in your glorious undertaking, 

I remain, yours truly, 

GEO. F. SCOTT. 



Fi'om H. G. Whiting, a former Capt. of the 2nd Ohio Heavy Artillery, 

a Massachusetts man, who has travelled through the South, now in 

business at Mooresville, in Iredell county, jS^. C. 

MooRESviLLE, X! C, Jan. 6th, 1879. 
JV. Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, ]S\ C, 

Deae Sir : — I have j'our circular, calling a Convention of North- 
ern men about the 15th inst. I will attend it. I had intended to write 
before this, but have been prevented by business and the holidays. 
Like yourself, I am a native of the old Bay State, born in Milford, Mass., 
went out with the 25th Massachusetts Vols. (Co. "B,") remained with 
the Eegiment until after the battle of Newberne, and then was detailed 
as clerk in Gen. Burnsides' A. A. G. Office, where I renlained until 1863, 
when I was commissioned Captain in the 2nd Ohio Heavy Artillery by 
Gov. Tod. After the war I travelled throughout the United States 
three times, and finally, in 1873, I went to Georgia — Bainbridge and 
Savannah — where I remained until a year ago. Last winter I travelled 
for pleasure, and in June came to this place and permanently located 
myself in the carriage and painting business. I have found the peojjle, 
everywhere, well disposed towards Xorthern men, that desire to 
see their adopted home thrive ; in this place particularly, the citizens 
wish Northern families Avith brains, money and muscle. 

I am a true son of the North, but I have decided that this section 
of the country is the best fo.i me to gain an independence, and I have 
taken an active interest in the local afl^airs of this, my future home, and 
have been met open handed, and substantiallj- encourjiged. I am inost 
heartily in sympathy with your undertaking, , ^nd believe that the 



(35) 

action of the Convention will be a long stride in the right direction, and 
accomplish the end designed. I will collect such information, as I am 
not in possession of, that several of the old citizens can furnish, and 
place it in your hands. One or two more i!^orthern men will accompany 
me from here. Please inform me of the date you Avish us to arrive in 
Charlotte, in order that we can arrange our business, &c. 

I have the honor to be, j^our ob't servt, 

H. G. AVHITING. 

Mr. S. J. Warrenj'a'n^in'er from Putnam Count}', X. Y., now resident in 

Mecklenburg county, ^. C, writes : 

Mint Hill, Mecklenburg County, N. C. Jan. 7th, 1879. 
JV". ibumont, Esq., Charlotte, jV. C, 

Dear Sir: — Your call of Northern men, to convene in Charlotte oii 
the 15th inst., meets with my most hearty approval. Fifteen months 
ago I left Putnam county, IST. Y., for this State, to engage in prospecting 
and opening up some of the old abandoned mines of Avhich this State 
abounds. My occupation has brought me contact with all classes and 
conditions of its people, and I find them everj^ where, open hearted, 
kind and generous, and freely welcome me as a friend among them. It 
did not fall to my lot to be in the army during our family quarrel. 
Hoping, if all is well, I shall be able to meet you on the 15th, and ex- 
change fi'iendly greetings, I am. Yours resjiectfully, 

^ SAMUEL J. WARPEX. 

Robert Siddons, formerly of Buffalo, N^. Y., now a farmer in Guilford 

county, N. C, says: Greensboro, X. C, Jan. 7th, 1879. 

^^. J)uiiiont, Esq., Charlotte, A'. C, 

. ;j, Dear Sir: — I received your circular a few daj'S ago. I am sorry 
I cannot. attend your Convention, but I endorse your move for a Con- 
vention of Northern men, only because it will stir up Southern men also. 
I moved from Buffalo, Erie county, X. Y"., about eight years ago, and 
settled here. I am farming at present. M}" neighbors, for miles around, 
are social and kind. Never lived in a better neighborhood. I moved 
here to find a mild climate. The soil is rather poor, but can, I think, bo 
brought up as easy as some of the Northern States'. I think a farmer 
can make a living here about as eas}^ as he can in' some parts of New 
Y'ork State. I was not in the aj'mj'. I Avas running on a Railroad out 
of Buffalo before I came here. Myself and family ncA-er Avas in better 
health than since Ave ha\'e li\'ed here. The country around here is A^ery 
healthA', the Avater good and soft. Yours respectfully, 

■•:.«lq n, 11<;,.- oi; '\Wh . ROBERT siddons.^ 

Mt^; N. Phimadore, formerly of Canada and the "Western States, noAV*a 

Real Estate Agent in Raleigh, wi"ites : 

Raleigh, N. C, January, 1879. 
N. Bumont, Esq., Charlotte, N. C, 

Dear Sir : — It is impossible for me to be present at your CouA^e^- 
tion of Northern men, much as I Avant to be there, business prcA'onts, 80 
must content myself by Avriting a letter and wishing the CoiiA'ention sue- 



(36) 

Cd'tfi. I was born in Canada, but lived several yeavn In the Western 
States, and came to Eastern North Carolina in 1870. There I had chills 
and fever, so moved to Raleigh in 1873. Being a wagon maker I carried 
on that business until I sold out. North Carolina has many advantages 
over her sisters ; she lies mid-way between the North and South ; tree 
from the extremes of heat and cold. Leaving out the low lands, and 
along the rivers, it is very healthy. Our mountains are perfect sanita- 
riums for people sutfering from all kinds of pulmonary attections, Con- 
sumption, &c. The scenery is beautiful beyond discription. The State 
J8 full of valuable minerals, such as gold, copper, mica, corundum, 
iron, asbestos, soapstone, chromic iron, graphite, galena, lime, 
barytes, coal, marl, alum, copperas, manganese, nickel, marble, granite, 
whetstone, building stones, limestones, &c. We have also all 
the days that are used in the arts; we have any variety of timber, 
of <HOil and climate, and numerous mineral springs, and can cultivate, 
with profit, all kinds of grass, clover, millet, all the small grains, tobacco, 
cotton, vegetables, rice, sugar cane, hops, flax, jute, &c. In fruit, we 
beat the world. Our sounds and rivers are full of Oyster, Lobstere, and 
fish of all kinds. You can build a wall, so high that no living thing 
can go in or out of our State, and we are independent of the world ; we 
have everything within our borders necessary for man's use. 

We are central. Take Ealeigh as a centre of a line 700 miles long, 
and go i-ound in a circle, it will pass over Florida and Alabama, and touch 
Georgia, over Jackson, Miss., Jacksonport, Ark., beyond St Louis, Mo., 
Quincy, Mendota and Chicago, III., Milwaukie, Wis., most of Michigan, 
Georgiana Bay, Ottowa, and near Montreal. Can., Montpelier, Vt., White 
Mt., N. II., and Portland, Me. This takes in all the heavy population 
east of the Misnissippi, and some west of that river. With our Railroad 
system in a fair way to be completed in the near future. Soon we will 
have the connections from Beaufort Harbor and Morristown, Tenn., and 
from Charlef*ton to Chicago, completed ; again, strike a line due south of 
Detroit, Michigan, and it will pass over Franklin, Macon county, N. C, 
through Robury Gap, Milledgeville, Ga., and strike near Columbus, Fla. 
Few people are aware that North Carolina reaches so far west and the 
important position she occupies foj- future development. All the low 
land.s from Norfolk, Ya., south to Florida, and around and up the Mis- 
sissippi as far a Memphis, is well adapted for the culture of cotton, rice, 
cor:i, and the early vegetables. In Florida they have the oranges, &c. 
This low country will raise Irish potatoes, apples, &c., hut they will not 
keep. It is not good for grapes, although they will do well in places. 
Therefore Western North Carolina, North Western South Carolina, 
North Georgia and East Tennessee, must, in the future when they 
are developed and peopled by an industrious and enterprising population, 
feed and suply the low lands, two thirds of the year, with bread, fruits, 
fOgetables, beef, pork, mutton, butter, cheese, lK>ney, &.(:., &<•., aa well an 
feed their own manufacturing interprises, that are sure t<^ spring up Avhen 
thore is so n\uch raw mato'ial in mineral ami timber at their own doors, 



(37) 

and where tWre is water power plenty to move all the machinery in the 
United States. To induce good citizenn to come here, we must sell them 
good land at as low prices a.8 possible, pi"otect them in their interest, 
iind not let them purchase too much laud because it is cheap. It is un- 
fortunate that Eailroads running South and in the South, do not carry 
passengers and immigrants as cheap as they do West, were they to give 
us the same rates as they do to the West, I believe thousands would 
come here, where ten do now. As to the people I have no fault to 
find. If men coming here are gentlemen, they are treated as such, at 
the same time do not trust everybody, for we have some that would 
cheat you if they got the chance. Your politics makes no difference'. 
Protestant denominations have churches everywhere, Catholic churches 
.are few, but her clergy will visit families at stated times. Altogether, 
I consider the highland part of this State the best place for the new 
settler and the capitalist to come to in the United States. 

Yours verv .respectfully. 

N. PLUM ADORE. 



A. H. Slocomb, formerly of Sutton, Mass., and for 12 years resident near 
Fayetteville, N. C, writes many A^ery valuable facts regarding pro- 
ducts, soils, &c. 

Fayetteville, iN". C, January 13, 1879. 
iV. Bumont, Esq., Charlotte, iV. C. 

Dear Sir : — Your Circular inviting me to take part in a conference 
■(jf " Northern men who have settled in the South since the war," to be 
held in your city on the 15th inst, onl}' reached me to-day. 

I regret that the shortness of the notice will prevent my attendance, 
for I have long recognized the necessity for such a movement as you con- 
template, and most heartily sympathize with the objects you have in 
view. 

AVhat we need for the development of our splendid natural resources 
is the infusion of a new element into our population, bringing capital, 
intelligence and energy to utilize the cheap and abundant labor wo have. 
Immigration of the right kind has, in a great measure been kept awa;)' 
from us, as you suggest, by a misapprehension of our social condition 
and the treatment likely to be extended to settlers from the North 
Whatever prejudice existed shortly after the war has since died awaj^ 
and now, after a twelve years residence in this state, I bear eheerfid 
testimony to the kindness and hospitality of its people. 

Your Circular seems to call for information as to soil, climate, &c. 
I can only speak for this immediate section, eanbracing the counties of 
Cumberland, Sampson, Moore, Harnett, Bladen, Robeson and Chatham, 
what is generally spoken of as the upper Cape Pear region. 

Our climate, for healthfulness, cannot be surpassed on the habitable 
globe. Malarial diseases are rare ; consumption and malignat typhoid 
and typhus fevei's are almost unknown. Our lands vary in price and 
prwJiiictions. ranging from $15 to $20 per acre, and producing from 100 



(38), 

lbs to 500 pounds oi" lint cotton per acre, and from 5 to 75 bushels of 
corn. The soil is quick, easily cultivated and responds readily to the ap- 
plication of fertilizers. Swamp lands can be bought for a mere song, and 
can, with a moderate outlay for clearing and drainage, be made im- 
mensely pi'oductive. Our manufacturing interest is still in its infancy, 
but our water power supplied by a large number of swiftly running 
streams and easily available, is simply unlimited. The four cotton fac- 
tories in the vicinity of Fayetteville, one of which is run by Northern 
capitalists, have been and are still doing a large and prosperous^ business. 
The railroad now being pushed forward t'S Greensboro, and. already com- 
pleted to the Gfulf, opens up in Chatham countrj^ mines of iron, coal and 
copper of inexhaustible richnes®, and forests of valuable timber. Two 
competing transportation lines to the Northern cities from Fayetteville 
have reduced freights to a figure absudly low. Hitherto our educational 
interests have been somewhat neglected, but now, in this city, a free graded 
school, well organized and efficiently managed, gives instruction to 450' 
pupils for ten months in the year. A refined and cultivated society, free 
from prejudice against him, extends to the Northern settler a generous 
and hearty welcome. The bitterness and hatred engendered by the war 
have passed awa3\ It is wrong that is people should be longer misun- 
derstood. Northern capital can find here a safe and profitable invest- 
ment, and Northern immigrants can build for themselves happ}" homes 
and surround themselves Avith a pleasant social circle. 'If, what I have 
written can, in your opinion, be used to promote the object for which 
you are striving, make such use of it as you think best. Again expressing 
regret that I cannot attend your Convention, and trusting that its de- 
liberations Avill result in much good, I remain. 

Very respectfully, your ob't serv't, A. H. SLOCOMB. 

A. iS. Ballard, formerly of Massachusetts, now of Asheville, N. C.,'giVes 

in his testimony : Asheville, N. C, Jan 12th, 1879.. 

JV. Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, JS^. C, > 

Deae Sir: — Your favor of the 14th ult., inviting me to be present 
at ^meeting of northern men at Charlotte, was dul}" received. Business 
will call me in another direction at that time Avhich will prevent me from 
being present. I however think it is a step in the right direction and has 
my approval and sympathy .We have a very large territory stretching along, 
the Blue Eidge on both sides, which has wealth in minerals, water-power 
and agricultural resources which few dream of. One object of the 
meeting, I take it to be, is to remove the prejudice existing in the North 
and the fear of ill treatment, which many- entertain, that in settling here 
they will not find a w^elcome. I have had no opportunities for personal 
observation in the Southern States excepting Florida and North Carolina.. 
In Florida I resided nine years and always found resjiectable northern 
people well received and well treated. I have not been so long in North 
Carolina, but I do not hesitate to say that I have never been in any 
place, Noi'th or South, where I have been ta'cated. Avith more kindness 



(39) 

than I have experienced since I have been here. The Ruilroadsi which 
are now imdei' process of construction will make every town and eit^' 
on the seaboard from Savannah to New York, easily accessible and it 
will not cost two bushels of wheat to get one to mark'<^t as it does at the 
West.' ' Not the least important to the settler ihsole'ctini'; a location is 
the climate. I do not think there is a more healthy climate to be found 
in the United States than in Westerri North & South Carolina and Geor- 
gia. I trust that th6 result of this meeting will be a better understand- 
ing and appreciation of the advantages to the settler of a location i;i 
some of the Southern States. Yours respectfully, 

A. S. BALLAED, 



Mr. II. C. Hunt, formei-ly of Cincinnati, Ohio, now of Aahevillo, N. C, 
and a Eepubliean gives valuable, facts. ,..■■.■ i: I 

AsHEViLLE, N. C, Dec. 22d, 1878. 
jV. Bumont, Charlotte, JV. C, 

Dear Sir : — Yours of the 14th inst. has been received, and contents 
carefully noted. I would say in reply, that I have resided in Asheville 
since 1870. I moved from the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, and socially we 
could not have been treated better, had Ave moved from any one of the 
Southern States. I am a well known Eepublican, at the sametime, I 
have been better treated by the other, or Democratic party, in fact my 
best fnends are Democrats, and if I wanted a ftivor, I should go there 
for it. As for climate I think we have the best, the ^-ear round. Our 
soil is remarkably good for the chance it has had. We can raise all of the grain 
west of the Blue Eidge that can be raised in the Northern States and 
also grapes. There is not a better fruit country in the United States for 
both large and small. Tobacco is one of our best paying crops in some 
sections oftheeountiy. I can see no reason Avhy cattle and sheep raising 
might not be made a profitable business. We have as fine water power 
as can be found in this or any country. The French Broad that passes 
by our city of Asheville could alone furnish water poAver for the United 
States, and will when the Railroads are finished have 50 or 60 miles of 
continuous water power along the banks of this beautiful river. We 
have scarcely any but freestone water. Asheville has now about 8,000 
inhabitants and is growing rapidly for a mountain town, we have everj'^ 
thing ,to make it a desirable country ibr the Northern Man; climate, 
soil and social treatment. Yours very truly, 

H.C. HUNT. 

Mr. Gle;iso'n, formerly pflN^yr Y'ork, ijow of Norih .Carolina; gAt^€i^! his . 

testitnoiiy. '■' • . 

Waynesville, Haywood Co., N. C, Jan. 14th, 1879. 
JV. Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, K. C, ,^f r. ■■ 

Dear Sir :-— Your esteemed fayjor, inviting me to meet other North- ^ 
ern gentlemen in :Convention, at Charlotte, on the 15th of this month 
was not received until this date, rendei-ing it impossible for me to attend. 
I cordially approve of the step you contemplate, of placing a true staW- 



(40) 

ment of the estimation in which Northern men are held here, before the- 
people of the North, fully believing such a statement Avill have a tenden- 
cy to bring into the South Northern men and capital, thus rendering it 
the wealthiest as it is now the lovliest, part of our common country.- 
During a residence here and in East Tennessee of about ten years, I 
have found as firm friends, and as willing hands to assist me, as in the 
city of New York, where I was in business for twenty years. Let such 
facts be known and the term "Solid South" will soon be "the baseless 
fabric of a vision," and all over the land prosperity will once more reign. 
Regreting I cannot be with vou,^ I am truly vours, 

M. F. GLEASON. 



Mr. S. D. Wait, a disabled soldier of the old 22d Illinois Regiment, for 
12 years a resident at Ealeigh, gives his views r 

" " Ealeigh, N. C\ Jan. 14th, 1878.. 
iV. Dmnont, Esq., Charlotte, JV. C, 

My Dear Sir : — Your circidar letter received in due time, and I 
hoped to answer in person on the 15th, hence delay ,^ but on account of 
sickness in my family, regret to write that I cannot be with you.. 
Yes ! I was in the Fedeval Army, a member of the 22nd. Illinois regiment, 
and was shot down at the battle of Belmont, Mo., Nov. 7th, 1861, and 
have been disabled ever since. I came to this State in January, 1867, 
and have gained many warm friends here. In regard to a Northern 
man living South, if he will mind his own business and act the gentle- 
man, he can get along as well, and make as many friends, in the South, 
as any where else. Regreting, again, that I cannot be with you, as I 
have many friends in Charlotte, I remain. 

Yours very truly, S. D. WAIT. 



Mr. W. F. Cornell, formerly of Guernse}^ county, Ohio, now and for six 
years past a farmer, who came to North Carolina in 1865 with 
Sherman's Army. Concord, N. C, Dec. 26, 1878. 

N. Duniont, Esq., Charlotte, JV. C, 

Dear Sir : — Your circular received, I am from Guernsey CountA' 0_ 
I came here in July 1865, came here with Sherman's armj-, settlied in 
number 9 township. I have always been treated with kindness and cour- 
tesy by the citizens of this county. I have worked for W. H. Orchard 
and Wm. Richards in the gold mines in this and the adjoining counties 
of Mecklenburg etc. I am a married man, my age is fifty two. My ex- 
perience with the Southern people has been marked with uniform kind- 
ness. I entered the United States army in 1861, remained with it until 
after the suiTcnder, Yov the past six year& I have been engaged in farm- 
ing. W, F. COliNELL. 



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Jiieiit. S. G. Blood, formerly of the gallant old 6th. Mass., who went 
through BaltiniQi-e with it, now a resident of Burke county, N. C, 
speaks: Park Hill, Burke Co., N. C, Jan., 12th, 1879. 

iV. Bumont, JEsq., Charlotte, N. C, 

Dear Sir: — ^^-ours containing an invitation to attend a Convention of 
Northern Settlers to be held at Charlotte, Jan. 15th, is at hand, for which 
please accept thanks, hiit it will be impossible for me to attend, notwith- 
standing I should like very much to be present and do all I could to re- 
fute the erroneous opinions, which at the present time exist at the North 
in regard to the South, as a place to settle in. I came out here a year ago 
last May, and began to build up a home here for myself and family, and 
so far have not been in any possible way hindered or discouraged, but on 
the contrary, every one I meet treats me as well as I was ever treated in 
any part of the world, and, I have been almost all over it, and all are 
anxious to have more come and settle here, and help to develope the re- 
sources of this section of country, and they are great, the land is of fair 
quality, plenty of water, timber and stone, also brick clay, thus you see 
there is everything here that is necessary for a home for any man that 
has the ability to hew from the rough Ashler to a finished building. I 
believe the healthfulness of the climate cannot be surpassed in any part 
<of the world, land is cheap aiid tor a man with small means, I know of no 
better country to settle in, and so far as safety is concerned, I can truly 
say that if any one coming into this part of the country has trouble he 
lias in almost every case got to be the aggressor, and as regards my family 
I consider them safer when left without protection than they would be in 
.any part of New England night or day. So far as politics is concerned 
I find no trouble. Elections in this section are so quiet and of so little 
interest that many did not know when they occured, not from bulldoz- 
ing or fear in any way, but from actual lack of interest. I have written 
more -than I expected to when I began; you have periect liberty to use 
ithis letter or any portion of it in furthei'ing the work in which you are 
■engaged, and I hope the coming Convention will do much to refute the 
erroneous opinions, which have gained credit at the Noi'th. I served three 
jnonths at the commencement of the war, in the 6th. Mass. Regiment 
from April to August, subsequently nine months, as 1st. Lieut., and the 
.remainder of the time until the close of the war. as an Ensign in the Navy, 
and was honerablv discharged every time. Wishing vou everv success, 
"^I am respectfully yours, * S. G. BLOOD. 



Dr. E. H. Green, who moved from Iowa to Charlotte, writes : 

Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 14th, 1878. 
Jlr. JS". Diimont, Charlotte, iVI C, 

My Dear Sir : — ^I had intended to write so that you might receive 
iit previous to the meeting of Northern settlers in the South, held in 
'Charlotte Jan. 15th, but failed to get it done. I wish noAv to express 
any hearty sympathy with the object and design of that meeting. I 



(42) 
[ r . 

have been a citizen of Charlotte since 1870, having moved thei'e from 
Iowa, and duruig that time have traveled largely over North and South 
Carolina, G-eorgia, East Tennessee and parts of Virginia, and have al- 
ways met with every kindness from the people, and have felt more seeti- 
rity of person and property than I do in the streets of this '^^ City of 
Brotherly Love." I was not in the army. Northern papers,- 
no doubt for political' puirposes, have persistently magnified 
everything that could in any way be used to the detriment of the! 
South, and many honest people haVe read these exaggerated statements, 
and have believed that there existed a fearful state of lawlessness 
throughout the South, and no doubt many good and worthy people have 
liuijbeen deterred from going South by this wilful perversion of facts, who 
ti >: would otherwise have gone. Your Convention will do much to- 
\' inwards giving, honest inquirers the truth, and will also, no doubt, be in- 
aa strumental in setting the people of the vSouth right before honest North- 
i -etnerp. I expect to return South in the Spring, and again to take up 
• ' my residence in the hospitable and energetic little city of Charlotte. 
Again let me express my hearty good wishes for your entei^^rise. -I am 
• . SQATY I could not be with you. Fraternally vours, 

: ..r:i!ili;;. Uji' E. H. GEEEK M. D. 



SOUTH CAROLINA LETTERS. 



Hev. Edward Cook, formerly President of Wilbrabam (Muss.) College, 
and by request of Gov. Claflin coming to South Cai'olina to preside 
over Claflin University, tells how he finds things : 

Claflin University and State Agricultural College, 

Orangeburg County, S. C. Jan. 15, 1879. 
Mr. N. JDumont, Charlotte, iV. C, 

Dear Sir : — Your letter reached me last evening. I desire very 
niueh to attend the Convention to assemble at Charlotte, X. C. to-da}', 
but do not see how I can do so at this time and on so short a notice. 

I was ten years at the head of the large literary institution at Wil- 
braham, Mass., and came here in Oct., 1874, to take charge of this insti- 
tution, over which I now preside, at the request of Gov. Clafiin, of Mass., 
and other friends of the colored man. 

My views of the situation were set forth in a recent letter to Mr. 
Merriam, of Springfield, Mass., and published in the Spriniield Republican 
late in December, 1878. 

My opinion is that, the Xorth is gi'eatly misled by the correspon- 
dence of the Northern jiross, who mistake and exaggerate the pai"ty 
political excitement. 

I know of no State Is^oi-th where the colored people enjoy superior 
rights to those enjoyed by them at the present time in this State. 

I have lived eight years at the West and traveled g\MieralIy through,,' 
that great section, and I say without hesitation, the South ])resents 
greater inducements to settlers' of small capital than jiny ]>ortion of 
country with which I am acquainted. Land is cheap and sutticiently 
productive under good cultivation. The winters are sriort and stock 
cheaply kept. v . „, 

Houses and other buildings are not neees(fiar,ily moi'c than half as 
expensive as at the North and West. 

The country now invites capital and manuiacturers. All who come 
for legitimate -business, purposes Avillbe well received and kindly treated.. 
Hoping vour Convention will be productive of great good, , 

, „,, ..^. ^ , Jmw very truly yours, EDWAlU) COOKE. 

E. R. Barcleen, 'formerly of New York, aiul lor ten years a resident of 
Aiken, S. C, Avrites : '/ij.in.i .-• 

^, AiKEKT, S. C\,,;r^i)U^?-y.'j;, 1879. 

N. JDumont, Esq., Charlotte,'^ N.p^.^, • ,. ' ' t :< ..• :••; 

My Dear Sir : — I notice by the papers that you propose a Conve^V 
tion of Northern residents of the South, to be held in ycmr city about 



January 15th, to furbish a t-lutement of the condition, capabilities and 
resources, as well as individual treatment, in the Southern country. 

I cordially approve of the ]tlan, and will gladly attend such Conven- 
tion if it is to take place. J should be pleased to hear from you definite- 
ly, at once, in reference to the riiattei*. 1 have been a resident of the 
South for ten years, engaged in planting, raising stock, fruit, &c. 
Any information on the subject will be appreciated. 

Yours truly, 

E. E. BAEDEEK. 



From W. Dillingham, I'orrnerly of Ogdensburg, New York, now telegraph 
operator at Eock Hill, S. C 

•'' * Eock Hill, S. C, January 13, 1879. 

jV. Dumont, Charlotte, JV. C, 

Dear Sir : — Your Circular received in due time and contents noted. 
In rejjly I would say, I heartily concur and approve of the movement, 
but I regret mj' inability to be present on the occasion, as I am unable 
to get any one to relieve me during my absence- I am from Ogdensburg, 
New York, and have been living here over eight years. I am verj^ 
much pleased wnth the climate and water, and have as good a social 
standing as w^hen I lived North. Please send me a copy of such resolu- 
tions as may be passed by the Convention, as I would like to send it ta 
the Ogdehsbui'g Advance for publication. 

Please excuse my delay in not answering this sooner. I hojDC you 
will have a full Convention, and I regret I cannot be with you. 
Tour obedient servant, 

W. DILLINGHAM. 



Wm. Stimson, formerly of Canada, now a farmer at Bird's Mt., near 
Earlesville, Spartanburg county, S. C, on S. & A. E'. E'. 

BiRB's Mt., S. C, Dec. 25th, 1878. 
Major N. Dumont, Charlotte, N. C, 

Dear Sir : — I received your circular of invitation to the Conven- 
tion in due time. I am not able to be present with you on the 15th Jan.. 
and as you wish, I write what I would like to say to }'ou. T came orig- 
inallj'- from Brant county, Ontario, Can., to this place, but some seven 
or eight years, and especiallyjduring the war, I resided in New York City. 
In 1870 i removed to Brandy Station, Va., and from there I came to my 
present home in 1873, staying a few months in the North Phcolett Val- 
ley, on my way. I have had eight years of Southern life, and have been 
under a great variety of outward conditions in that time, and have had 
quite a large family to provide for, and I speak from experience when I 
sa}^ the South is a first rate place to live in, both as to the individual 
Northern man as well as for a colony of such. One is only to be inspired 
with kind feelingSy be disposed to good habits, aiad' be industrious to sue- 



(45) 

ceed here, and one would not have to look far whose eyes were not 
blinded by a deep prejudice, but he Avould find quite as superior intelli- 
gence, with as good manners, generosity and hospitality in the South- 
ern people as may be found in the North. I find here, on this Moun- 
tain side, a very productive, red sandy loam, very productive when pro])- 
erly managed and manured well. It is the same soil that is found on all 
the uplands of the great Piedmont region of the Carolinas and Georgia, 
which has three or four varieties of color, chocolate, yellow, gray, red, 
creek bottom, and along the rivers, dark alluvial. I need doubtless say, 
as you have yourself observed, how this beautiful, sandy loam yields to 
wisely directed industry. After the clearing of an old field of its pine, 
or the original pine, oak and hickor}' have been removed, how it will 
yield an untold variety of cereals, flowers, fruits and vegetables, and tliat 
too in a climate unsurpassed for salubrity on the continent. Five years 
ago on this mountain side I constructed my log cabin in the w^omls, and if 
there is one place more than another in the South where I would likely to 
have been molested, it would have been here, but I have never been 
troubled. Exercising myself to treat all persons %vith the same consider- 
ation due to them, it is mine to gratefully testify to the honor of the 
southern friends I have made, their full measure of such virtue>^ 
as contribute to make one feel very much at home with them. As 
my own calling is farming and horticulture, simply to provide for my own, 
I am not able to speak from experience of the profits of manufacturi]ig, I 
leave that to others, simply saying there is great room, and fine water 
powers up in this section. One small cotton gin two miles from here sent 
away $5,000 of cotton this fall, upland cotton, and in up-country cotton 
belt, (the extreme limits of the belt.) I have not been trying to make 
money in the last five years here, indeed I have rather been willing to 
spend money and be spent in labor here, and so I have experimented f^ 
good deal, and have succeeded in all I have undertaken. I have planted u 
small vineyard of grapes for home consumption, and planted peach trees, 
and after three years I have refreshed my family, my friends, and my- 
self with most luscious Delaware and Concord grapes, and peaches in abun- 
dance. AVith the exception of the past year (in which we experienced an 
unusual drought, when the east wind prevailed for months, driving tli»i 
moisture away west of the Mississi])pi, there to deluge their crops ami 
ruin them.) we have not failed to rea[) as l)Ountifully as we were able U* 
sow, and had force to cultivate, wheat, rye. oats, corn, clover, •-giaiio 
inolasses cane" (the standard of excellence in molasses cane.) lucerne, pea- 
nuts, yams, cotton, tobacco. Irish potatoes, onions, parsnips, beets, and 
Fottler's early drum head cabbage, &c., &c. If thei-e be any thing desir- 
able in the wa}' of fruit and vegetables as Set forth in AVhite's (rardener 
for the South, almost all of then^ can be successfully raised here; and, 
becaused raised in a sandy loam, are of a superior quality and flavor. 
When one, by labor or capital, or both s])ent. shall have made his farm self- 
sustaining, there can be no 7nore pleasant place to live than in the Pied- 
mont region, more especially up under the mountain whei'e "thermal belts" 



-abound. With abundance of fruits and vegetables, with plenty of eggs and 
fowls, and jiork and beef, and mutton, which can be easily raised here. 
With the same vigilance necessary in any other place we can live well 
enough here, and often better than we deserve ; but it is true in the South, 
in an eminent degree, as well as in the North, indeed the world over for 
that matter, it is the hand of the diligent one that maketh rich, and so 
on the other hand, he that deals with a slack hand shall surely come to 
want. To those who may be induced to locate in the Carolinas or Geor- 
gia, through the saying and doing of your timely conference, I would like 
to urge the study and application of rules of work in garden field, as given 
by Southern men, so well suited to the peculiar climate here ; and they 
are ^"White's Gardening for the South," published by Orange Judd Co., 
New York, and the "Southern Cultivator," pul)lished by Jones, Athens, 
Ga. These, if followed, will insure success. While in farm machinery, the 
papers of the North are superior. Finally, with reference to my rela- 
tions to the late war, on the grovmd of Christian forbearance, I never 
esteemed it a privilege to bear arms, and did not do so. I have no polit- 
ical prejudices ; but I observe the present attitude of the South is long 
suflfering and forbearance. With kind reii-aixls and good wishes for 
your undertaking, I am sir, trul}', Your humble servant, 

WM. STIMSON. ' 



Wm. D. Munson, former Lieut. Col. 13th Ycnuont. writes from Green- 
ville, S. C. 

Greenville, S. C, Dec. 29, 1878. 
iV. Bwnont, Esq., Charlotte, K. C. „, ^^^^^^ rim>i': 

Dear Sir :— Your Circular of the 23rd inst.. is bcfore'-rfife^Witfi a re- 
quest from Mr. Brownell, (to whom it was 'addressed.) In reply to the 
same: your project is certainly a good one ami cannot fail to be of real 
benefit to many pei-sons and families at the North who do not understand 
the situation of' affairs and matters at the South. Mr. Brownell, Mr. Mc- 
Gregor, W. H. Munson and myself came to Seneca City, S. C, and the 
Highlands, N. C, last March, intending to settle in the South. I spent 
part of the summer at the North and returned six weeks since. We are 
all from Burlington, Yermont, and propose staying somewhere in the 
South. Being almost a stranger in Greenville, I have not as yet made 
the acquaintance of many Northei-n people, but learn there are several 
families living here. 

I spent a day in your city coming here six weeks since, and liked the 
place so much that I had intended going there again, and if possible shall 
be glad to come and attend your Convention. 

I had the honor to serve in the Federal Army during the war ; going 
out as Captain of Company D, 13th Regiment, Yermont Yolunteers, and 
goin<j; home as Lieut. Ool. of the same Eeuiment. 



(47) 

I do not know of any other Northern men now in the South who were 
in the army, but presume there are many. Hoping your project will 
have the success it deserves, lam, 

, Yours witk much rejs|)feet); T ) 

' WM. D. MUNSON. 



T. A. Finlay, formerly oi Ontario, Uanaihi. now of Greenville, S. C, Avrites 

facts of real interest touchin<;- farm matters : 

Greenville, S. C, 16th Dec. 1878. 
JV. Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, ■JV. C... 

Dear Sir : — I have received your circular. In some ways it docs 
not apply to me — I am still a British subject, and never resided in any 
^Northern State. I moved here from Ontario, or Upper Canada, in Oct. 
1873. I have been here long enough and am sufficiently acquainted with 
the feelii^gs of the jjeople to sa}'' confidently that anj" Northern man, 
whatever may be his political views, will be coi-dially welcomed here 
and no questions asked, unless he makes himself obnoxious by caiiiet- 
bagging. I was a farmer in Canada for twenty years and have been 
tr^nng here to tarm as nearly as possible in the same wa}'. I do not grow 
much cotton, but turn my attention more to grain, grass and roots. 

Wheat I find an uncertain crop, ver}- subject to rust. The best crop 
I have made Avas 265 bushels on 12 acres. Oats sowed in the Fall from 
end of August to beginning of November are a pretty sure crop; I have 
made 50 bushels per acre. Barley does well sowed in the Fall ; have 
made 40 bushels ]ier acre. Clover and Turni])s do well. Corn does 
■well, when well manured and cultivated. My land is a pretty stiff red 
clay. Prices here now are very low: Wlicat SI. 00, Barley 8 1.00 and f 1.25, 
Corn 50c, Oats 35c to 40c. Hay I sold from $10 to $15 per ton. 

I need scarcely say that Greenville is a thriving city of from 7 to 8000 
inhabitants. My fai'm is 765 acres; is 2 miles from the court house and 
f mile from the Aii'-Line depot. Land within three or four miles of Green- 
ville may be stated as held at about $20 j^er acre. 

If I can at any time give you any further information, I shall bo hap- 
py to do so. Yours very truly, JAMES A. FINLAY. 

P. S. — I should have stated that colored labor (which I prefer) is 
plentiful and cheap. Wages from $6 to $10 ]ier month with rations, (41bs. 
bacon and peck corn meal per week) by the day forty or fifty cents with- 
out rations. 



GEORGIA LETTERS. 



From II. J). In^ei'soll, Esq.. formerly in Massachusetts Infantry, and from 
Boston, Mas.s.. to Loudsville, Georgia, where he is engaged in mining. 

LouDsviLLE, Georgia, January l8t, 1879. 
iV". Dumotvt' Esq., Charlotte, N. C. 

Bear Sir: — Your Circular is just received, contents noted, and in 
answer would say that I think the move a good one in the right direction. 
I have been living here the most of the time since September, 1866. I am 
from Boston, Mass., was during the war in Campany F, 47th Eegiment 
Massachusetts Yolunteers, also Company D, 59th Yet. Eegiment Mas- 
sachusetts Yolunteers. 

I will attend the Convention on the 17th if I can leave my business 
here, but am very busy just now. I feel sure that a smart Northern man 
can come South and make more money, with less capital, than he can 
Korth, and all wo need is good, live, energetic men, with capital, to make 
tills part of the South the garden spot of the world. 

I have induced one man of means to come and settle hei"e, from Bos- 
ton, a?man who has lived in California 18 years ; he is here now doing a 
large business in mining. I have shown him your Circular, and he, I 
think, will write to you. 

I will do anything I can, at any time, to assist in this thing. 
Youi's in haste. 

H. D. INGERSOLL. 



Read what a native Georgia Eepublican says: 

BuFORD Ga., Juu., 1st, 1879. 
Mr. X. Dumotit, Charlotte, iY. C. 

Dear Sir : — Y'our circular of Dec. 27th. inst. in relation to the Northern 
Men's Convention to be held on the 15th, inst. in your City, is before me. 
If I would be permitted an admittance in the Convention it would afford me 
much pleasure to attend, but I am a native Georgian, never was in the 
Federal army and, consequently, am excluded, though always a Eepublican 
and a friend to Northern MtMi who come South to settle among our people. 
It makes little or no ditference to me where a man is born and raised, 
f^o he be a gentleman. Anything for the good of our common country. 

Wishing yon much success in your enterprise, 

I am vt ry respectfully yours etc., T. S. GAEMEE. 



(-19) 

From J. W. Beardslee. Ks<].. a l{opul)lieu)i, formerly of Newfield, Xew 
York, now connected Avith Andrew Female ScniinaVy at Cirthbert, Oa., 
gives a wide range of Southern experience. 

CrxiiBKRT, Geomjl\. January 9tli, 187t>. 
Mr. jr. Dumont, Charlotte, K. C. 

Dear Sir : — In response to an article publinhed in tiie papers, calling 
a Convention of NoT^hern men, or letters irom thosi^' of them living in the 
South, tor the purpose of discussing the feelings ivnd treatment of the 
Southern people towards the Northern people, and to know if in their 
judgment they would a<lvisc emigi-ation from the North to the Soaith, 
For myself, I cheerfiilly write the following : 

I was born in Newtield, New York, where my parents now reside. 
The last ^^-ear of the war 1 was in the LL S. A., Company I,179th Eegiment. 
of New York State Intantry, 2nd Division, 9th A. C- 

Until I went into the army I was by occupation a fiai-aner. Soon aft<.'r 
the close of the war I made music my pix)fession. I have taught and sung 
in many of the towns and cities in my native State, also in Penn, Ohio, 
Michigan, Indiami and Illinois. Tho past four years I have spent in the 
" Sunny South." I wa}it to do justice to the Southern people. 

I will state that I have always been a llepublican. I came here with 
very strong prejudices against the Southern people. My first visit was 
to New Orleans. I went there at the urgent request of a Northern man 
who was living and doing business there at that time. Of course I had 
heard reports how Northerji men were treated, and my Northern 'friends 
advised me to be very cautious and not even to take any Northern paper 
with me, and if jtossible, to make them believe that I was a Southern man 
and a native of the South. But I had not been there forty eight houi-s 
when I told CoL Angel, of the "White League," that I had been a soldier 
in the Northern arnu', and he soon became a warm personal friend. 

I pursued my pr^jt^'ssicm (teaching music) and was never ashamed 
to own my native State, ajid no man ever had greater success in the 
musical profession in that city than myself. While in New Orleans I 
was received in more than one of the old families on equal terms and 
always with courtesy' and respect. I received letters from my Northern 
friends telling me of the nui))y murders reported thei^e and urging me to 
jret awav. Thev saw more of the dangers and troubles, thoujjh thev 
were fifteen hundred or two thousand miles away, thali those living 
there, for the}' told me of many things that never occurred- The past 
four years have bt>en the happiest years of m}' life. I have visited most 
of the prominent towjis and cities in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ten- 
nessee, Alabama and (Georgia. I have given neai'Iy one hundred concerts 
in these different ijlaces, visited over two thousand ]»T"ivate families, 
trained and taught a gri-at many ])upils. Few have had more to do 
with the Southei'u ])ecq)le than myself. I have shai'ed their homes and 
hospitality like a brother, and have ahvaj's expressed my sentiments 



(50) 

plainly, and if I have ever bad an unkind or an insulting word, it was 
from some foreigner or ignoramus. 

I will admit that some Northern men have been treated very rough- 
ly, but not half so much so as they deserved. I have had many men, 
who claimed to be from the ]!S^orth, make themselves very agi'eeable to 
me and tell me how badl}- they were treated just because they were 
Northern men, and who advised me what to do. In nine cases out of 
ten, I have found that they were outcasts, or tramps, who never were 
anybody nor ever could be, or that they were plotting and planning with 
the negroes, and because they were not made lords of by the people, they 
have written many lies which has given the South a bad reputation in 
the North, If good, true and honorable men of the North would visit 
the South and stay long enough to become acquainted with the people, 
they would certainly see that the South had been slandered. 

Of course the Southern people, in common with all people, will at first 
be a little distant toward strangers. If the honest, hard lal»oring men of the 
North would come South and toil as hard as they do there, they would 
soon accumulate a fortune, for land is very cheap and the soil very pro- 
ductive. They will find true gentlemen all over the South, who will 
extend a brotherly hand, and give them a hearty welcome. The South- 
ern ];)eople want peace and harmony, and court inimigration. 

I will state that those Avho are seeking for health and a warm climate 
in the winter could not do better than to visit or settle in Georgia. And 
to parents who have boj^s and girls to educate, they will find schools here 
which are hard to excel, and for the benefit of my friends, who may wish 
to know my whereabouts, I will state that I have the honor of being con- 
nected with one of those schools known as Andrew Female College, and 
will take pleasure in answering all communications. 

I beg pardon for Avriting you so lengthy an article, but I have not 
written one-half what I would like to, and I am very sorry that I can- 
not meet with the convention, where I could say much more than I 
could possibly write. Hoping this will be satisfactory to you, I am 
Very respectfull}', your obedient servant, 

J. W. BEAEDSLEE. 



VIRGINIA LETTERS. 



W. II. Ti'owbridge, a, Western man, now a tobacco manufacturer, Dan- 
ville, Va., writes forcibly. 

Danville, Ya., Jan- 14th, 1879. 
Mr^N. Dumont, Charlotte, JV. C. 

Dear Sir : — I thank you for your invitation to attend the proposed 
Convention, and I wish yon the most unbounded success in j-oureftbrtsto 
thwart the designs ofthose politicians whose lack of statesmanship renders 
it necessary for them to stoop to the grossest misrepresentations. In the 
"West we are taught to believe of. this whole country, that "this ismyown, 
my native land," and having been in over thirty States, including the 
South, I have alAvays felt myself among friends, and have never experien- 
ced in any of those states, any treatment (socially or in business) other 
than such as I would have received if "native here and to the manor born." 
Among the many acts of kindness received. I shall never forget the atten- 
tions and courtesies given me during sickness. When I think of the labor- 
ed perversions and distortions of facts, I cannot restrain a just indigdation. 
Those self-seeking political agitators in either section, who for their own 
sinister purposes nuike such misrepresentations are no more exponents 
of either the North or the South, than are so many pick-pockets. While 
always the most noisy and unfortunately, the best advertised by the 
Press (which is apt to exclude plain common sense, and honest reason as 
tame)they are still frowned down by the respectable masses of both sec- 
tions, who should not l)e blamed when occasionally imposed ujion by in- 
trigue and corruption. Those political quacks who flaunt the bloody 
shirt, should at once be consigned to that oblivionfrom which there is no 
resurrection. The American people were Avarned against them by 
Washington, and the writers in the Federalist. The latter charactei*- 
ized them as^'those u^ho pander to the ignoranee of the unthinking , and to the 
])reji(dices 6f the misthinking". I would ssy further that of the few irreconcil- 
ables, we iindthem all among the stay-at-home politicians and non-fighters 
on both sides. Show an exception and j'Oii show a poor fighter. The 
soldiers of the Blue and Gray who traded coffee and tobacco on the Eappa- 
hanock and elsewhere, fought honestly, and when done shook hands, are 
now for peace and harmony. All the trouble has been caused, and is yet 
to be feared from the non-combattants, whose lack of courage and ability 
only fitted them to rake up the dirty linen after the nearly forgotten con- 
flict has been settled for nearl}^ a generation, and the situation accepted 
in good faith liy the brave men on both sides. As a non-combattant my- 
self^ I can say this with good grace. The reception and popularity of 
Gov. Walker of our statej formerly a New York Colonel, and the recap- 



(.52j 

tion and cordial Aveleome extended to all who |)i'ove worthy ofit, should be 
convincing proof of the falsity of stateinents to the contrary. It is true 
that there are worthy families who would never be contented after mov- 
ing to the West, to any other state, or even to an adjoining count}-; but I 
can safely assert that there are fewer even of that class here than in the 
far West. I still believe that the signs of the times are hopeful; that the 
advocacy of extreme measures will produce a redaction, leaving abler leaders 
to come to the front, who are equal to the problems of the day; who un- 
derstand that the wheels of industry are always l)locked by unstable laws 
and agitations ; that the unemploj^ed labor and all the indiistries of the 
country suffer, not for more legislation, but from so much ; that they re- 
quire, perhaps, a few more changes, and those more permanent. People 
will discriminate betAveen the artful demagogue and his Aviles, and the true 
leader and his honest eiforts to better the condition of the country. I be- 
lieve we have many of the latter, who will yet gain the ascendency over 
wire-working politicians, and permit the energies of oiir vast country to 
work out their way untrammelled, building up our Xavy, extending our 
Commerce to overy point of the globe, and emploj-ing all of the now idle 
labor in developing the resources of our vast country. One of the first 
steps is to expose the charlatans who are directing the public mind from 
its most vital interests. As jon seem to be taking the proper steps in 
this direction, I sincerely hope your efforts Avill be crowned with success, 
believing the respectable masses of the entire country only await the 
proper leadership, to join hands in developing our iinbounded resources, 
and working out our high destinv. I remain, very truty yours, 

W. 11. TROWBPJDGE. 



Mr. H. J), (lilbert, furmei-ly of Syracuse, Xew York, writes from Danville, 
Ya., his views on soil. «tc. 

Danville, Ya., Dec. 23rd, 1878. 
JV. Diimont., i^^^q., Charlotte, _ZY, C. 

Dear Sir : — I received your circular yesterday'. I will write you a 
synopsis of my views of the productiveness of the land, and of the hospi- 
tality of the people (»f Yirginia. This section of country is better adapted 
to tobacco than to raising grain or vegetables, but with the use of fertil- 
izers and a little exertion on the part of the farmer or gardener, he can 
raise as large crops as in the majority of the Xorthern States. I have 
travelled through the best pai't of Yirginia, and have always received a 
cordial welcome from all classes, and am thoroughly convinced that a 
stranger recieves a heartier welcome, and a more cordial grasp of the 
hand here, than in any of the Xorthern or New England States. We 
moved from Sjn-acuse, N. Y.. and purchased a plantation here, near Dan- 
ville, about four years ago, and find the climate to be unexcei)tionable. I 
hope 4o be presei^.at your Convention. Yerv respectfully, 

., ;.f MM) 'i'T'A i ' 11. D. GILBERT. 



TJ. Birge, EBq., ofDanvitle, \'a., jj-ives valuable facts concerning returns 

upon investments. 

Danville, A'a., Dec. 23rd, ISTS: 
Mr. N. Dumonf., 

Dear Sir : — Your letter of the 14th inst. was duly received, in re- 
gard to a Convention of Northern men who noAV have their homes in the 
South. I fully approve and appreciate the proposed Convention, and 
feel much interested in the doings and the ultimate result of that meet- 
ing, but from a variety of intervening circumstances I regret to say that 
I shall be unable to attend. I came here from the interior of New York 
State in Januaiy, 1875, and am living about two miles from Danville en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits. Left the North particularly to seek a 
more genial and comfortable climate, and escape the rigor and severit}^ 
of the Northern winter. I find this climate far superior to the North, 
in all that contributes to comfort and happincBS, besides the advantagefl 
it atfords for accomplishing the various kinds of labor in connection 
with farming. Money invested judiciously in lands here, for agricultu- 
ral purposes, and properly managed, pays bj'' far a better per cent, than 
it does North. Wo frequently see in Northern newspapers, gross, bane- 
ful, ungenerous, pernicious and untruthful representations in regard to 
the Southern people. I have not seen one of the charges verified, but 
on the contrary, all is precisely the reverse of these representations. 
We have received nothing but polite, social, hospitable, respectful and 
kind treatment from all classes of the Southern people from the time we 
arrived here to the ju'esent. A living can be made quite as easil}' here 
us North, and much more pleasantly. Yours very respectfully, 

URELIUS BiEGE. 



J. B. Gilbert, formerly of Syracuse, N. Y., and who has lived in Minne- 
sota, now fai-raing near Danville, Ya„ thinks the South best. 

Danville, Va., Dec. 2.3d, 1878. 
X, Jhmont, Esq., Charlotte, N. C, 

Dear Sir : — Yours of the 18th inst., received, inviting me to attend 
a Convention of Northern Settlers in Va., &c. I regret very much that 
eircumstances, beyond my control, will prevent me from meeting Avith 
you at the time named. I cordially endorse your plan of disabusing the 
Northern mind of their prejudice by having the real facts, as we see and 
knoAV them, before them fully. I bought a plantation here four j^ears 
ago, and moved on it (from near Syracuse, N. Y.,) and am working it 
yet, and far more successfully (as times are,) than I M)uld have done in 
Central New York or Minnesota, (having tried both, and Connecticut 
also.) I find and meet a cordial weleom* by all clusses, also find the 
country rich in minerals, healing waters, soil, timbei- ke.. and abundant 
water power. Needs only capital, eisergy and pluck, Avell diverted, to 



(54) 

develope its resources and to make it one of the most desirable parts of 
the Union to live and pi-osper in. I hope to hear good results from the 
Convention. My best wishes to you and all its members. 

Yours respectfully, J. B. GILBERT. 



I. H.. Lloyd, of Easthampton, Mass., who has traveled extensively in the 

South, gives full expression : 

Easthampon, Mass. Jan., 13th, 1879. 
iV". Dumont, Esq., Charlotte, N. C, 

Dear Sir : — A circular over your name, calling a Convention of 
^Northern Settlers at Charlotte, N. C. about the middle of this month, 
has been sent me by some one in North Carolina, and while I do not 
suppose you expect, or care for any expression on the subject, I have so 
much interest in Southern Emigration that I desire to send j'ou a word 
of greeting. If your ideas as expressed in the circular are well carried 
out, will, I think, be amove in the right direction, and may do good and 
result in quickening the work. 

Having vsjjcnt two winters and one summer in Virginia and North 
Carolina ; passing through and spending more or less time in every sec- 
tion of both States — everywhere being met with cordiality and treated 
M'ith consideration and kindness, and becoming much acquainted with 
the i^eojile, learning their feelings, wishes and purposes, I feel confident 
in asserting that all honest, industrious settlers from the North, or else- 
where, will be kindly welcomed and well treated in either of these States 
and that life and property is as safe there as. in New England or New 
York. And that there are good openings in almost any part of these States 
for any amount of the idle capital now lying useless in our banks. 

While South I often met and traveled with gentlemen from South 
Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, and judge that about the same may be 
said of those States as of Virginia and North Carolina. 
Wishing you success in your undertaking, I am 

.YjOurs, &e., 

I. H. LLOYD. 



APPENDIX. 



This valuable portion of the appendix was submitted to the Conven- 
ton by the delegation ft'oni Mooresville in Iredell county, iST. C, and 
by the Convention ordered to he recorded as part of the procedings. 



THE CHARACTER AND RESOURCES OF THE SECTION BE- 
TWEEN THE YADKIN AND CATAWBA RIVERS. 

The rogion of country lying between the Yadkin and Catawba has 
been called the Mesopotamia of North Carolina, and so we shall call it. 
Not because the rivei's approach in historic interest or commercial im- 
portance the famed Euphrates and Tigris ot the East, renowned twenty- 
five centuries ago by the powerful people and magisterial cities which 
occujiied their banks ; and we were about to sa}', not because these 
rivers, bounding the Mesopotamia of antiquity, have there sources in the 
beautiful Garden of Eden, but surely the comparison would not be ex- 
travagantl3' unfair, for our rivers, the Yadkin and Catawba, rising in 
the Blue Ridge and wending their way to the Atlantic, embrace between 
them as fair a countr}-, perhaps, as may be found anywhere on the 
earth. 

The Piedment region of this State is justly regarded as far superior 
to any other part of it; and of this region, the best is undoubtedly the 
central j)ortion included between the Yadkin and Catawba. Its fiertile 
lands, finely adapted to the growth of almost ever plant known in the 
_^onz of the Temperate Zone, its mild and salubrious climate, its abun- 
dance of every natural resource, commended it to the substantial and 
thrifty German, and the intelligent and liberty loving tScotch-Irish of 
the fertile territory of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, thirty 
years before the Revolutionary AYar, and attracted towards this section 
of North Carolina a tide of emigration from those States, which begin- 
ning about 1750 continued onward with increasing force, and founded 
here a population unsurpassed, then or now, for the sterling qualities of 
integrity, industry, patriotism, and high Christian morality, by no peo- 
ple on the continent. 

This territor}' between the rivers, nowhere perhaps more than forty 
miles in width, with an undulating surface, pleasantly deversified with 
hills and valleys, is very finely watered, being traversed with numerous 
creeks, along which are found the very best of grain and grass lands, 

LofC. 



(56.) 

equal doubtless, to those, more famous, of the higher latitudes, while, on 
the ridges intervening, is found a soil finely adapted to the commercial 
staples of cotton and tobacco. It is a well known sceintific fact, that 
climate, and therefore agricultural products, are influenced not alone hj 
distance from the Equator, but also greatly by the degree of elevation 
of the country. It has been stated by good authority that a distance of 
100 feet in an ascending surface is equivalent, in its effect on climate, to 
one degree of latitude on the sea level. From Charlotte, the commer- 
cial centre of this section, there is a difference in elevation of about two hun- 
dred feet, making, according to the standard of measurement, a climatic 
difference of two degrees of latitude, in a distance of 45 miles, and there- 
fore affording a varied capacity of production. And so, too, the height 
of the country decreasing rapidly from the mountains towards the sea 
level, Avhile it furnishes an abundance of water power for the machinery 
of New England, insures a variety of climate adapted to the production 
of the fruits and grasses of the Noi'th, the grains of the Middle States, 
and the Tobacco and cotton of the South. The more palpable proof of 
this adoption is in the fact, that agriculture in these various lines is suc- 
cessfully prosecuted throughout this section. The timothy and blue grass 
of the Mountain Valleys are equal to any, and the finest exhibition of 
apples at the Exposition of '76 was sent from Western Carolina. Tobac- 
co of the best, both in quality and quantity per acre, has been and is 
raised in Iredell county. And we think that those who know whereof we 
speak will not charge us with a want of modesty when we claim that 
the Mooresville section is the garden spot of this ''goodly land." The 
cotton interest has been the main one in agriculture here, and will doubt- 
less.' continue to be an important one. The people have not grown rich, 
but they have certainly prospered, and gi-eatly too, in comparison with 
those of other sections. Since '65 cotton has been largely and profitabl}' 
grown ; and the wonder is, with all the favorable Icircumstances, the 
abundance and cheapness of labor, the convenient and plentiful suply of 
the raw material, the facilities of transportation, and a liberal and enter- 
prising population, that men of capital have not established factories for 
converting it into yarns and cloths. Men of integrity and enterprising 
wpirit will be welcomed and encouraged, wherever they may hail 
from. 

There is no doubt, too, that the high ridges of this section, timbered 

principally with pine, hickory and oak, and sometimes with chinque- 

pin and chestnut, are specially adapted to the growth of the fine grades 
of tobacco. Such has been the decided and pronounced opinion of those 
skilled in the tobacco culture. It has been and is raised to a small ex- 
tent, and with renuirkable success, considering the want of skill. It is 
confidently and reasonble expected, that the connection with the tobac- 
co counties of Davie and Forsytheby the Winston, Salem and Mooresville 
Hailroad now being put under contract, will stimulate its cultivation and 
make it another staple production of this section. 



(57) 

The price of land, m ith ordinary improvements ofbuildings and fences, 
and Avithin cay}' reach of i-aih'oad transportation, is generally from $5 
to $10 ])er acre. Of course higher prices are asked for well improved 
places in close proximity to town, but there is no doubt that farms can 
be bought for one half the price demanded ten years ago. There is land 
fullj^ capable of producing a bale of cotton per acre within five miles of 
a railroad, that would not probably bring $10 per acre if sold for cash. 
Good laborers, able-bodied men, are hired at $5 per month, and the most 
skilled will scarcely command $10 on the farms. The necessaries of life 
are abundant and cheap, being found for sale in almost every farmer's 
house in the country. And though the people know and appreciate their 
advantages, property can easily be bought by those who are able to pay for 
it, and they are ready to welcome and encourage any accessions of real 
worth, in intelligence, capital or labor, from anywhere, regardless of 
geographical or sectional lines. 

They are not exclusive either in their political or religious creeds, 
and any man Avith an honest business honestly conducted will be warm- 
ly received, and accorded a fair chance in the race of life. 



The detailed statement touching the city of ^ew Berne, N. C, and it?* 
tributary country, was submitted to the Convention by M r. Ead- 
clitf, delegate from New Berne, and ordered to be spread upon the 
records of the Convention. 



The folloiving Report was prepared and ordered to be sent to the Conven- 
tion of Northern Citizens to be held in Charlotte, N. C, on January 
lUh, 1879 : 

We, the undersigned, citizens of New Berne, and representing East- 
ern North Carolina, respectfully report : That New Berne, situated at 
the junction of the Neuse and Trent rivers, is the centre of a large agri- 
cultural region, devoted to truck farming in the spring, and to the culti- 
vation of cotton, corn, rice, tobacco, sweet potatoes, peanuts, &c., as sum* 
mer crops. Several hundred acres are annually planted in early peas, 
potatoes, melons, &c., for the Northern markets, and followed by cotton, 
com, millet and cow peas during the summei-. Our land is generally of 
a light sandy character, easily cultivated, and is well suplied with marl, 
accessible for agricultural purposes. 

Owing to close proximity to the Gulf Stream, we seldom have 
snow, and plowing can be done at almost any time during the winter. 



(58) 
. . i|»-i<. tlli 

V\ ater navigation on the rivers and creeks, 'enables farmers to move 
crops cheaply and also make New Berne a centre for luml.er, staves and 
shingles for shipment ]S"orth and to the West Indies. 

Labor, both male and female, suitable for agricultural and mechani- 
cal purposes, is abundant at moderate prices. Steamers run ref/ularh- 
to K"orfolk, Baltimore and New Yorlc. We have also daily comnnmica- 
tion by Eail via Goldsboro. The time for passengers from New Berne 
to New York being 24} hours. During and since the late war quite a 
number of persons from the Northern States have settled in this section 
and are engaged in the various occupations of agriculture, manufacture' 
&c. Our manufacturing interests at present embrace one Cotton Fac- 
tory, one Wood Plate and Veneer Factory, Four Saw and Pianino- Mills 
one Tobacco, and two Cigar Factories, oiie Marine Eailway, one'^Foun- 
dry, two Machine Sho]>s, one Plow Factory, two Cotton Ginnino- and 
Grist Mills, one Sash, Blind and Bucket Factory, two Coach Makers 
two Turpentine Distilleries, two Shingle Yards, one Box and two Coop- 
er Shops, with other smaller industries, employing in the aggregate sev- 
eral hundred operatives, but with room for many" more, as'crude mate- 
rial, particularly wood and cotton, are abundant and cheai). Land 
either in large or small tracts, suitable for Truckers or Farmers, or for 
stock raisers, can be purchased at reasonable, and on favorable terms 
111 Craven, Jones, Carteret, Pamlico and adjoining counties. 

Immigants Avould be well treated and' would find a pleasant and 
healthy climate, with every advantage of schools and ckurches 

JNO. S. MANIX. * 
ETHELBEET HUBBS. 
S. M. CAEPENTEE. 
GEO. N. JONES. 
TH03L\S DANIELS. 
E. P. SOECH. 
S. EATCLIFF. . 
E. H. HILTON. 
D. STIMSON. 






<i rt«'> ^qrfiw* 



~~\ 



(59) 
Highlands, N. C, January 10th, 1879. 

The following sttitement irom Highlands, N., C, mailed to N, Dumont, 
was by him submitted to the Convention and ordoi-ed to be made a 
part of the records. 

TO THE CONVENTION OF NORTHEEN IMMIGRANTS TO 
BE HELD IN CHARLOTTE, N. C. JAN. ISxn, 1879. 

Gentlemen : — We, the undersigned, residents of Highlands, Macon 
county, N. C, having moved here from the Northern States within the 
last four years, appreciate the importance of your meeting and regret 
our inability to be present. We sincerely hope you may have a large 
attendance and do much to correct talse impressions that have gone 
abroad respecting the situation and advantages for Northern immigrants 
m the South. 

Highlands is located thirty miles North of Walhalla, the present 
terminus of the Blue Ridge Railroad, and thirty-eight miles north of 
Seneca on the Atlanta & Charlotte Air-Line Railroad. AVe now have 
about thirty Northern familes located in the village and vicinity. 

The old citizens here are a quiet, well disposed people. We have 
been welcomed and well treated l)y them, and our rights have been re 
spected in every sense. Our village is situated on the expanded sum- 
mit of the Blue Ridge, about four thousand feet above the ocean. 
For health it is not excelled in the United States. Our winters are mild 
and summers cool, the temperature being seldom lower than 5° above 
zero, or higher than 80°. All Northern crops are grown here and of 
the best quality. Apples grow in perfection. It is pre-eminently a 
grass country, and sheep and cattle raising, dairying, bee culture, and 
raising hogs on the abundant mast in the woods, are all paying occupa- 
tions. Land, unimju-oved, can be bought from fifty cents to three dol- 
lars per acre. Partly inaproved farms Avith some orchards, buildings, 
kc, can be bought in this section fi-om three to ten dollars per acre. 
We have an abundance of pure cold soft water in unfailing springs and 
streams, in which are myriads of speckled trout, and mountain scenerj^ 
that is unsurpassed for grandeur and beauty. For Noi'thern people 
who are seeking a mild and healthful climate, good society and cheap 
land, suited to the growth of Northern productions, especially stock, 
dairying, bee keeping, &c., Ave believe there is no country possessing 
greater attractions than this. 

We have no political ti-ouble, or interference with our political 
rights or notions. Respectfully, 

S. T. Kelsey, moved here from Kansas in 1875 ; Thomas Baxter 
White, from Massachusetts, 1875 ; Robert Marchant, from Nebraska. 



1878 ; C. C. Hutchinson, from Kansas, June 1878 ; Tlionuis H. Dunn, 
from Connecticut, May, 1878 ; S. F. Patrick, i"rom Michigan, Ist Decem- 
ber, 1878; O. U. Bicketson, from Ohio, 1878; Chae. H. Allen, from 
Maine, February, 1878, soldier in Co. G, 3l8t Maine Vols. ; A. T. House, 
from Connecticut, October, 1878, South Atlantic Squadron; A.H. Hutch- 
inson, from Kansas, July 1878 ; F, H. Cook, from Connecticut, January, 
1878 ; O. J. McQuiney, from Vermont, 1878 ; B. W. Wells, from New 
York, Co. G, lOlst New York Vols. ; J. Jay S-mith, irem Indiana, Feb. 
1878. 



PROCEEDINGS 

— OF THK 

STATE CONVENTION OF NORTHERN SETTLERS, 

HELD AT 

RALEIGH N. , MAR H 1st, 1879. 
Pursuant to call of the Charlotte Convention of Juniiarv 15, 1879. 



The State Convention of* Northern Settlei-?*, called uutler a resolution 
of the Charlotte Convention of January 15th, met yesto relay at Metro- 
politan Hall, at 3 p. m. Mr. X. Duniont, of Charlotte. w':i8 elected presi- 
dent, and E. Conklin, Esq., of Ealeigh, secretary. 

Buncombe county sent a valuable paper settin<< tinth it-s advantages, 
which was adopted. 

Messrs. T. A. Kingsley and X. Plumadore, of Ealeigh, and John 
Hinman, of Warren county, were appointed a committee on business. 
After conference the following resolutions were submitted : 

Whereas, We believe in the wisdom of the spirit and principle^ 
+Miunciated by the findings of the Charlotte Convention held January 
15th, 1879, and this body desiring to follow its inspirations, therefore, 

Resolred. 1-^t, That this convention adopt in entirety the resolutions 
and findings of the convention of Xorthern born residents of the South 
held at Charlotte, N. C, January 15, 1879, with this addition, viz : Tha 
»o far as North Carolina is concerned, we would suggest to all person 
who come to this State looking for lands and homes, to critically enquire 
as to the texture, quality and productive powers of soils and the health- 
fulness of the particular location their fancy leads them toward. We sug- 
gest this because in some localities lands are poor and heretofore impo- 
tjitions have been practiced. 

2nd, That the railway lines running into our Stale be respectfully 
^■equested to consider the means employed by the railways leading to 
the Great West, and apply to our State the same methods to induce a 
healthful immigration of people and property to our State, and to thi^ 
end we appoint a cammittee of six to correspond with the proper- 
authorities with a view to carrying out the spirit and purposes of this 
movement toward immigration. 



(62) 

3rd, We congratulate the people of the State, that the State debt;^ 
through its Legislature now in session, has been saitisfaetorily and 
amicably arranged. We feel that this new order of things will bring 
about a new era of State prosperity that will work to the interests of 
the State and all concerned. 

4:t.h, We thank the press of the State for their many tokens of kind- 
ness and the earnestness with which they have favored us with their 
many maVks of appreciation. 

bth, We also thank the managers of our milroads for issuing to us 
half-faro tickets, and trust that they will continue to appreciate our 
efforts to influence immigration to our adopted State. 

6tJi, This Convention respectfulty suggests that the native North 
Carolinians hold a Convention at such time and place as they may deem 
best to take into consideration this subject of immigration. 

The resolutions were adoi>ted without dissent.. 

The committee provided for in the second resolution was appointed.. 

Upon motion the following gentlemen were appointed to the general 
Convention, to be held in Charlotte, July 4, 1879, viz : 

James H. Chadbourn, Wilmington, delegate.. Sir. Bull, of Craven 
county, alternate. 

V. K. Speer, Asheville, delegate. II. C Whiting, Mooresville, alter- 
nate. 

Col. C. A. Cilley, of Lenoir, Caldwell county, delegate. D. L. Bark- 
er, of Morganton, alternate. 

John Hinman, Eidgcway, delegate. . 

Capt. George S. Campbell, of Goldsboro, delegate. II. L. Grant,, 
alternate. 

Seth M. Carpenter, ISTewbernc, delegate. D. Ives, of Beaufort, alter- 
nate. 

John Graham^ Hillsboro^ 4elegate. J. C, Brewster, of Raleigh, 
alternate. 

T. C. KelsCy, of Highlands^ Macon county, delegate. A. J. Cm-tis, 
of Statesville, alteniate. 

N. Dumont, of Charlotte, delegate. T. C. McMahon, of Greensboro, 
alternate. 

\N". Plumadore, of Eal'eigh, delegate. George Dichtl, of Ealeigh, 
alternate. 

SIGNERS. 

T. A. Kingsley, Iniilder, Raleigh, N. C, formerly of Binghampton, 
New York. 

John Hinman, farmer, Ridgeway, Warren co., N. C, formerly of 
Chester co., Penn. 

N. Plumadore, Real Estate Agent, Raleigh, N. C, formerly of In- 
diana. 

N. Dumont, Charlotte, N. C, President of Convention. 



(63) 

E. Conklin, with "Daily Observer," Ealeigh, N. C, formerly Cap- 
tain of Illinois Infantr}' and from Binghampton, N. Y. 

H. B. Forrest, keejier of Oakwood Cemetery, Ealeigh, IST. C. from 
Tioga CO., Penn. 

J. J. Baker, cotton merchant, Ealeigh, X. C, formerly Col. 3d Mas- 
sachusetts Cavalry, fronx Boston, Mass. 

D. S. Ireland, Jr., Ealeigh, N. C, carpenter, from Penn. 

P. H. Gruendler, Tobacconist, Ealeigh, N. C, formerly Springfield, 
Mass. 

L. C. Shepperd, farmer, Wake co., N. C, from Tioga co., Penn. 

H. G. EitHe, cigar man'fr, Ealeigh, N. C, from Tioga co., Penn. 

Geo. Dichtl, Snp't National Cemeter}-, Ealeigh, formerly Oregon. 

Chas. Shoemaker, Eidgewa}', N. C, formerly of New York. 

C. B. Fairchild, Sup't in Graded Schools and Florist, Ealeigh, N. C. 
formerly of Binghampton, N. Y. 

J. C. Brewster, Merchant, Ealeigh, X. C, formerly of Philadelphia, 
Penn. 

C. II. Bein, Merchant, Ealeigh, X. C, Philadelphia, Pa. 





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